Sport | Football
Hasek determined to make every game count
Coach wants to start season well with Super Cup win as new signing Bare prepares to make competitive debut.
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior reporter
- Published: 23:39 September 10, 2008
- Al Ahli's Czech coach Ivan Hasek
- Image Credit: Atiq-Ur-Rehma/Gulf News
Dubai: Al Ahli's Czech coach Ivan Hasek has tasted silverware - and he likes it.
Hasek came midway through last season and led the Red Devils to the President's Cup title, dethroning defending champions Al Wasl along the way in with a clinical finish.
His side were well on their way to take the league crown and a rare double when three draws scuppered their chances and the title slipped away.
But that slip has only served to make Hasek more determined, making every game that bit more important.
"Every game counts for me, and next week's Super Cup encounter against Al Shabab is no exception. We may be under-strength, but we will be playing to win the trophy," said Hasek.
"Al Shabab will be out to maintain their winning streak of last season. And I have tremendous respect for them as opponents, but we will match them and start the season with a win," he added.
"The most important thing for us is to start strong this season."
New signing
The Super Cup could well feature the side's new signing Jader Volnei Spindler, who is known as Bare and joined from J-League team Gamba Osaka.
"For one, I need to test myself and my work as a professional in completely new circumstances," said Bare.
"Of all the clubs who were interested in me, I found Al Ahli the most challenging."
It is believed the Brazilian, who has spent seven years playing in Japan, attracted interest from Turkey's Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad.
He said: "I chose Dubai. So many people told me about Dubai, and this place has lived up to my expectations. Seven years was a long time, and honestly, I have been quite surprised to see the standard of some of the players here."
Al Ahli played a friendly against Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense in Dubai last week and Bare opened his account with his new club with a spectacular goal.
"That was a friendly. Very soon, it will be time to deliver on the bigger stage," he said.
Prediction: Title challengers
Al Ahli have won the league four times before and came within touching distance of their fifth last season.
But they fell at the last hurdle when three draws in their final three games saw them drop crucial points and the title.
Al Ahli should mount a serious title challenge this year and will be the team to beat.
They may look a bit suspect in defence till Mohammad Qasim returns, but they have cover in midfield through hard-working Salem Khamis and Brazilian Clederson Cesar de Souza.
Al Ahli look like a team that has not always not fulfilled its full potential but with the professional ethos sinking in, the Dubai club look like taking a trophy or two this year.
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