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Olympic squad get into battle mode

The UAE Olympic national team players will start their preparations for the challenge ahead from June 14 after a two-week break following the end of the pro-league competitions on May 27, UAE head coach Mahdi Ali told newsmen at the UAEFA office in Dubai on Monday.

“The boys will head for Switzerland after they undergo a medical checkup in Dubai scheduled over two days to remain there up to July 3. They will play two warm up clashes against European outfits on June 28 and July 1 before they shift their operations to Austria to remain there up to July 19 where they will have a busy programme including four friendlies against European, Latin American and African opponents scheduled on July 5, 8, 11 and 16,” he said.

Ali said his main focus would be on the physical and mental comfort of the players after a very busy season which included tough games with the clubs, senior and Olympic national teams during the qualifiers.

“I would like to see the players in their best form from all respect. We are keen to give the players sufficient time to stay with their families and this is a very crucial part of my plan to fine tune the squad. The decision to split the external training camp into two periods aimed at avoiding any feeling of dissatisfaction or boring,” he noted.

Regarding the teams which they will be taking on during the external training sessions, Ali said Mexico and Honduras were already confirmed.

“Negotiations are underway with Italy, Argentine and Angola,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ali praised the initiative of Al Ain Romanian coach Cosmin who promised to rest the Olympic national team players in the club’s pro-league final clash against Ajman.

Speaking about the decision to include Matar, Khusaif and Abdulla Mosa, Ali said this has been conducted in the light of the bad need for their efforts.

“After the sad demise of Zeyab Awana, the only open option was to go for Ismail Al Hammadi because we need a fast player on the flanks,” he said.

“All in all, there are no big age differences between the experienced and youngsters and Matar is always the best solution for any team whenever is in his best,” he said.

“There’s nothing in fact to worry about from playing in three different cities during the preliminary round. All the teams have been subjected to similar option,” he said when asked about the effect of playing in three different venues around England.

Ali also downplayed the move to stay outside the Olympic village before lining up against Great Britain pointing out that they had a similar experience during the 2010 Asian Games in China and the plan worked.

“Six players will stay in one room and the dining and meeting rooms besides the long distance to Wimbley will not serve our objectives,” he said.

Finally, Ali said they have ‘Fatwa’ for the players, but they will not force anyone to do something which he didn’t like to do.

“The players have the choice to fast during the month of Ramdan and at the same time they may break it. All options are open for them and they should decide,” he said.