Bahrain ends contract with Talajic by mutual agreement after farewell to 'Gulf Cup 27'

It added: "The Board of Directors of the Bahrain Football Association extends its thanks and appreciation for the efforts made by the technical staff of the national first team led by Croatian coach Dragan Talajic during the past period, wishing them continued success and success in their future career."

Talajic's departure came after a disappointing participation for the defending champions of the last edition of the tournament, having lost all three of their matches in Group Two against Qatar (0-2), the UAE (0-3), and Yemen (2-5), finishing fourth and last without points, scoring two goals and conceding 10 goals.

The loss to Yemen was the heaviest for Bahrain in their tournament journey, as it also granted the Yemeni team the biggest victory in its history in the Gulf Cup, ending the defending champion's participation early.

Talajic, 61, took charge of the Bahraini national team in February 2024, succeeding Argentine Juan Antonio Pizzi, whose contract was also terminated by mutual agreement following the participation in the Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

During his tenure, the Croatian coach led Bahrain to the 'Gulf Cup 26' title in Kuwait, after winning 2-1 against Oman in the final match.

Talajic played 31 matches with Bahrain, achieving 9 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses, with a win rate of about 29 percent.

The Bahrain Football Association has not yet revealed the identity of the technical staff that will take over the leadership of the national team after Talajic