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Bahrain Part Ways With Talajić, Joselu Heads To Al Sailiya And Spalletti Praises Salah
Augustus Media FZ LLC
October 06, 2026
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From Bahrain’s Khaleeji 27 fallout to Joselu’s next Qatar chapter and Luciano Spalletti’s huge Mohamed Salah praise, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Bahrain have parted ways with Dragan Talajić after a winless Gulf Cup title defence, Joselu is set to join Al Sailiya after leaving Al Gharafa, and Spalletti says Salah “hands a Ballon d’Or” to any coach lucky enough to work with him.
Bahrain Part Ways With Dragan Talajić
What Is It About
Bahrain have gone from Gulf Cup champions to a winless group-stage exit, with the Bahrain FA parting ways with Croatian head coach Dragan Talajić by mutual agreement after Khaleeji 27. Talajić had led Bahrain to the Gulf Cup title less than a year earlier.
Why It Matters
Their title defence ended in a complete reversal. Bahrain lost all three group matches, finished with zero points and conceded 10 goals, including a 5-2 defeat to Yemen, who recorded their biggest-ever Gulf Cup win and only their second victory in the competition’s history.
What’s Next
Talajić accepted responsibility for the result, including his role in selecting the squad. After missing out on the 2026 World Cup and now exiting Khaleeji 27 early, Bahrain head into another rebuild before the 2027 Asian Cup.
Joselu Set To Join Al Sailiya
What Is It About
Former Real Madrid striker Joselu is set for a new chapter in Qatar. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 36-year-old has agreed to join Al Sailiya as a free agent after leaving Al Gharafa.
Why It Matters
Joselu spent two seasons with Al Gharafa, scoring 28 goals and providing five assists in 58 appearances while helping the club win two domestic cups. He now moves to a very different situation, with Al Sailiya bottom of the Qatar Stars League after losing all four opening matches.
What’s Next
Joselu arrives with major European pedigree, including his dramatic brace against Bayern Munich in the 2024 Champions League semi-final for Real Madrid. The question now is whether he can bring goals, experience and a quick turnaround to Al Sailiya.
Spalletti Delivers Major Salah Praise
What Is It About
Luciano Spalletti has delivered major praise for Mohamed Salah, years after coaching him at Roma. In an interview with Tuttosport, the Juventus head coach named Salah among the players he helped develop, but made it clear the credit belongs to Salah’s own quality.
Why It Matters
Spalletti said: “Salah hands a Ballon d’Or to anyone who has the good fortune to coach him.” The two worked together at Roma between 2016 and 2017, before Salah moved to Liverpool. During that period, Salah recorded 28 goals and 20 assists in 62 appearances.
What’s Next
Spalletti said coaches can guide players, give them confidence and help them improve, but individual talent makes the difference. It is another major compliment for Salah from someone who worked with him before he became one of world football’s biggest stars.
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