Rijkaard confirmed S. Arabia coach

Frank Rijkaard was yesterday confirmed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia, signing a three-year deal.

The Dutchman, who enjoyed great success at Barcelona before a less distinguished spell at Gala-tasaray, will be tasked with leading the Green Falcons to the 2014 World Cup finals.

Rijkaard has been out of work since leaving Galatasaray in October and has been drafted in after a deal for Ricardo Gomes fell through.

He said: “We have our goals. We hope this will be the kick-off of a very successful period.

“As every journey, you start with the first step. That’s what we made today. From now on, we will be planning.”

Rijkaard previously coached Holland – guiding them to the semi-finals of Euro 2000 – but really came to prominence as boss of Barca. He led them to the 2005 and 2006 Primera Division crowns and also the 2006 Champions Lea-gue title.

The 48-year-old, who also enjoyed a glittering playing career with Holland, Ajax and Milan, is taking on a tough assignment with Saudi Arabia, however.

The Middle Eastern side have gone through 34 coaches in the last 25 years and Rijkaard will hope to make a positive early impression, starting with the upcoming friendly against Kuwait and the World Cup qualifying clashes against Hong Kong at the end of the month.