Tite's core strategy to balance attack and defence

Abu Dhabi: Adenor Leonardo Bacchi or ‘Tite' took over the reins as chief coach of UFL defending champions Al Wahda and the club also saw their latest pro recruit Vitor Hugo Manique De Jesus train with the team.

Tite, who has had a short stint with Al Ain in 2007, will be fully aware of the heat in his seat as he replaces Romanian Laszlo Boloni, the latter lasting just two matches as Al Wahda bid to impress in both the Fifa Club World Cup and the AFC Champions League apart from defending the League title and having a shot at the prestigious President's Cup.

"I am yet to sit with the management and chalk out the main goals for the team. But without doubt the aim is to keep Al Wahda at the top and I will be helped a lot in this move by the three Brazilians in the team," said Tite, while refusing to divulge what the contract is worth.

"Vitor Hugo, the new recruit and Magrao have both played under me while I am aware of Fernando Baiano's ability as we played against him in the Brazilian league," said the 49-year-old, whose last stint was with Internacional, a club which will also be coming for the Club World Cup.

"I am happy to come to Al Wahda and I preferred this though I did have offers from Vasco and Goyas. The fact that Magrao is part of this team gives me an idea of the quality and I have a few days to get to know the team before the first match on September 16," Tite said.

Tite's opening test will be a tough one as he takes on his friend and rival Abel Braga when Al Wahda and Al Jazira clash in the capital's first derby of the season. "He is a partner from Brazil, a friend and I respect him," Tite said, adding that he will be trying to adopt a balance between attack and defence as his core strategy.

Recalling that he earned his nickname during his playing days in 1977, Tite said, "I think it was Luis Philippe Scholari who called me by that name and it stuck. It just does not mean anything, just a pet name."

Al Wahda lost the season-opening Cup match to second-divisioners Emirates Club and also tasted defeat in their opening UFL League match against Dubai's Al Wasl. However they did bounce back with a win against Kalba and now after the break will take on Al Jazira.

Tite will be missing the club's national team players during this week as they prepare to take on Kuwait in a friendly match.