Abu Dhabi: Al Wahda have set a similar target for their new coach Javier Aguirre as his predecessor Sami Al Jaber – a berth in the AFC Champions League.
Al Jaber’s term was not extended after Al Wahda failed to qualify for the Asia’s premier tournament and the Mexican, who comes in with loads experience having coached Mexico, Japan, Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza and Espanyol in a career spanning over two decades, clearly has his task cut out but he is up for the challenge.
“Our main goal is to reach the AFC Champions League, this is really important,” said Aguirre, during his official unveiling before the media late on Sunday.
“I’m happy to be in Al Wahda club. This is an opportunity for me to grow as a coach. I had the chance to be in the UAE 30 years ago and now I am coaching Al Wahda. The Arabian Gulf League is growing, even European clubs are familiar with it,” said the 56-year-old, who made the move to Emirate after the Japan Football Association (JFA) cancelled his contract as national coach due to an ongoing match-fixing probe against him in Spain during his role as manager of La Liga side Real Zaragoza.
Aguirre, who took charge of the Samurai Blue last year following their disappointing exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, was under cloud since Spain’s anti-corruption prosecutor named him last December in a probe into Real Zaragoza’s 2-1 win at Levante on the final day of the 2010-11 La Liga campaign.
Aguirre has since denied any wrongdoing but JFA decided to distance themselves from the Mexican soon after the Asian Cup in Australia.
Aguirre revealed that he made the move following consultations with a few coaches in Europe who had good things to say about the UAE football scene. “There are many players who want to play in UAE. Each year, more players and coaches are coming here with good experience. The local players are growing as well, I suffered a big defeat with Japan against the UAE,” revealed Aguirre.
“We are now in the stage where we are trying to get to know players and everyone at the club. Our main goal is to reach the AFC Champions League, this is really important,” said Aguirre, whose team finished fourth in the league last season and also saw them change two coaches in Portuguese Jose Peseiro and Al Jaber later.
“I know there were problems last season, having two coaches. I’m sure Al Wahda is a team who always plays at a high standard. The history of Al Wahda shows they are a really good club. We are preparing the team for performing better,” added Aguirre.
Al Wahda have boosted their firepower by making two big signings this season. Former Arsenal medio Denilson and Jorge Valdivia, the Chilean star from the Copa America victory have been roped in for this season.
“I watched the Copa America final. Valdivia is one of the most important transfers we’ve made. He has a lot of experience and he will be very good for Al Wahda. Denilson is also a very good player,” said Aguirre, whose team is scheduled to go for a pre-season training in Germany soon.
