Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Canberra: United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali has insisted his side is intent on keeping their promise made two years ago of reaching the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 semi-finals, with a win against neighbours Qatar in their opening fixture on Sunday at Canberra Stadium a big step towards that goal. Click here for Ali's flash interview
Ali (pictured) has been a central figure in the UAE’s developmental sides, coaching the U-16, U-19 and U-20 sides prior to leading the U-23 national team to the 2012 London Olympics before taking charge of the senior national team shortly after and leading his side to the 2013 Gulf Cup title.
The Emirati national team failed to defend their regional crown last November, however, eliminated at the semi-finals by hosts Saudi Arabia, who Sunday’s opponents Qatar then topped to take the title in Riyadh.
“In my view, all the Gulf countries are at the same level. I don’t believe there is any relevance to previous meetings, the time, competition, conditions and players are all different. All the teams are on a level playing field,” said Ali, whose side will also face Iran and Bahrain in Group C.
“We respect the Qatar team - we don’t think of it as a derby, it’s just an important game and whether we play a strong or weak team we respect them and always try to do our best.
“Our games are very tough in this group, but it's normal to always play under pressure. Pressure is part of the game, we’re used to it. We announced two years ago that we wanted to reach the semi-finals of the competition. So let’s aim for that, try to reach it, and then see from there what we can do.”
With many of the UAE squad based on the players that Ali has brought through the development sides, some playing through the ranks of the national side for six years, the unity of the team is something that the coach feels will be an important advantage for his side.
“The relationship between the players is very close. This group of players have been together a long time and are more like a family than a team, the players are like brothers,” added Ali, noting in particular the understanding on the field of star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman and forward Ali Mabkhout.
“Omar and Ali are very close friends on and off the field too, their special relationship helps their combinations on the pitch and this can give us an extra benefit on the field.”
Photo: WSG