Bidoglio back in JDT hot seat

Argentine moves downstairs from technical director role to replace Esteban Solari

Hector Bidoglio celebrating Johor Darul Ta’zim’s FA Cup triumph in 2022. The Argentine had won four trophies as the club’s head coach that season. – @hectorbidoglio Instagram pic, December 29, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim technical director Hector Bidoglio has returned as head coach of the Southern Tigers.

The Argentine was previously the head coach of the 10-time Super League champions in 2022, winning four trophies.

The 55-year-old was made technical director of JDT at the start of the season after countryman Esteban Solari was named head coach.

Yesterday, the club announced that Solari had departed the club along with six players – Aidil Zafuan Radzak, S. Kunanlan, Hazwan Bakri, Adam Nor Azlin, Leandro Velazquez and Diogo Luis Santo.

JDT also announced that Aidil Zafuan would join Bidoglio’s coaching staff.

Bidoglio (centre, in black) celebrating JDT’s Malaysia Cup win with the team in 2022. – @hectorbidoglio Instagram pic, December 29, 2023

“He (Bidoglio) will be assisted by Pablo Ricchetti and a new assistant coach from Argentina in addition to several coaches, including fitness and medical staff, joining the club next season. Aidil Zafuan will also be joining Hector’s coaching staff,” said JDT chief executive Alistair Edwards in a statement today.

“Bidoglio rose through the ranks as a coach with Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys. He has previously coached in the top divisions in Argentina, Peru and Ecuador. 

“He also had several attachments with Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Real Betis, and took tutelage under the renowned Marcelo Bielsa with the Chile national team in 2009,” added Edwards. – December 29, 2023