Preparations on track

UAE will play their first warm-up against Moldavia on Saturday before they entertain Algeria on June 5.

UAE team’s manager Ismail Rashid said the venue for the training camp had been selected by the head coach who preferred to start preparations during this time and from this venue. “The decision was to bring the players together immediately after the end of the season and to create some sort of harmony between the team members. The new squad is a blend of experienced and young players who have made their presence felt during the local competition,” he said.

Rashid pointed out that some players have reunited with the team after a long time due to injuries.

Speaking about the atmosphere at the training camp, Rashid expressed delight that everything was going according to the plan. “The players are pleased with the facilities and they are in their best moods. We understand that the season was very tough back home and some players needed rest and had to relax. Therefore, the management is trying to balance things which is why the players are enjoying their training sessions and their break. I would like to thank the seniors who are providing every assistance to the youngsters and making them feel comfortable,” he added.

Regarding the planned friendlies against Moldavia and Algeria, Rashid said they were equally important for their campaign. “This camp will give us a idea of the quality of each player and to what extent they are ready to deliver. The coach will also be able to find out the weak and strong points of the players and accordingly work on them. Moldavia will represent the European style of play and Algeria who have advanced to the World Cup finals in South Africa have the African flavour. The game will be few days away before the Algerians head for South Africa and for this reason we are expecting a huge crowd turnout,” he said.

“We are very optimistic and hopefully the players will be able to deliver in the upcoming challenges,” he concluded.

Even, the national team players expressed their delight and were pleased with the facilities which have been provided for them during their present training camp in Austria.

“Everything is perfect, the city is very beautiful and the atmosphere is very friendly and ideal,” said UAE ace Ismail Matar.

Matar said the management and players are showing great deal of co-operation and understanding which are signs of success.

“We as players are confident that the head coach and his assistants are capable of fine tuning the players to excel and bring pride to the nation,”he added.

Al Wahda’s right winger Fahad Masoud who made a welcome return to the squad said he’s very pleased to reunite with the team and take part in this training camp. “We are all very happy. The city is charming and the surrounding is equally beautiful. We truly appreciate the hard work of the management to provide us with the utmost comfort.”

Al Wahda’s top midfielder Mohammed Al Shehhi also showered praises and said the facilities were impressive. “I think there’s no reason why we don’t pay back the debt of our nation and people,” he said.

“Our two friendlies against Moldavia and Algeria are very important for the players to know each other and comprehend the coach’s strategy and tactics,” he said.

Sultan Al Ghafri is part of the team for the first time said he’s proud to wear the national team’s jersey and hopefully he will live up to the expectations. “I will make every move to establish myself as one of the main future pillars of the national team,” he said.

Disappointed was Al Ain’s injured forward Abdullah Malullah who felt bad for missing out at this crucial stage of the preparations. The management sent Malullah back to the UAE to complete his treatment after the injury returned to haunt him.

Malullah had suffered cartilage injury during the national league but he’s hopeful of a quick recovery and return to the national team. “I would have loved to be part of the team and play the two friendlies against Moldavia and Algeria, but what to do...?” he said.