Abu Dhabi: Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni has two days to get the UAE team’s act together before they take on Uzbekistan in an international friendly at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain.
Zaccheroni got to assess the team in the first competitive game under his charge when the UAE lost 1-0 against Haiti on Saturday.
The Italian had opted for a 4-3-3 combination but the side struggled to get things rolling at the start.
The first 25 minutes, according to the coach was way below par, something that he needs immediate attention ahead of the next clash. “Our performance wasn’t up to the level in the first 25 minutes but I was pleased with their efforts thereafter,” said Zaccheroni, whose team created opportunities but lacked in finish. They were also a bit unlucky as their efforts found the framework three times.
“I don’t like to speak on the good and bad fortunes, but we were unlucky on a couple of occasions and due to some good work by the Haiti goalkeeper (Johny Pacide),” said the manager, who was pleased with the way the team rallying after conceding an own goal.
“The players started to understand the mechanism later. They didn’t leave the opponents with any opportunities with close marking. And then, we had several chances to score but unfortunately it didn’t happen,” the former Japan coach said.
“This is the first match and they tried their best. I was upset about the start though. After that they played collectively. My philosophy is to play collectively as a team and hence I would say it wasn’t a poor contest. I will analyse what want went wrong in the early part of the match and will try to rectify those mistakes.”
Zaccheroni asserted that this early setback was not a worry as his aim is to make the most from these matches, especially with teams ranked higher. The UAE is 72 in the Fifa world rankings while the strong-bodied Haiti are placed 56.
“We have to be patient here. We played against a fit Haiti team and they are ranked between than us. I would say we matched them well but, yes, we lack experience in getting the final touch. Our aim is to build a team keeping the 2019 Asian Cup in mind,” Zaccheroni said.
The coach, whose remit is to guide the UAE to the Asian Cup as hosts in 2019, said the loss will not deter him from trying new faces in the coming matches and that the door to be in the national team is open for everybody.
The UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa was of the view that the team was responding well to Zaccheroni’s style of play but needs more time. “Regardless of the result, I would say the team hasn’t performed like this for a while which is heartening. We showed lot of spirit and were fighting for every ball. We tested the Haiti goal and though we didn’t score, I can assure you the next matches will be better. We will play with more harmony,” said Eisa adding that Zaccheroni has put everyone at ease in the team.
“Zaccheroni is a big name in football and everyone knows it. He deals equally with all players which is the best thing about him. We are getting along well with him and now it is only about implementing his plans on the field.”
