Dubai: UAE Football Association (UAE FA) president Marwan Bin Ghalita said he had great confidence in The Whites ahead of their remaining 2018 World Cup qualifiers, after unveiling Edgardo Bauza as coach on Thursday.
The 59-year-old former Argentina coach signed a two-year deal to replace Mahdi Ali on Thursday, which will take him up until the UAE-hosted 2019 Asian Cup.
But first Bauza is tasked with winning the UAE’s last three 2018 World Cup qualifiers in the slim hope that they can still reach Russia.
Mahdi Ali quit the post in March after the UAE’s 2-0 defeat away to Australia left The Whites four points off a minimum required third-place finish with three games to go.
The UAE will now have to win all three matches — away to Thailand, June 13, at home to Saudi Arabia, August 31, and away to Iraq, September 5 — while hoping that one of the three teams above them — Japan, Saudi Arabia or Australia — drop points.
“We have great confidence in the players and their abilities in the next phase of qualification, especially since our ambitions are to participate in all future forums, at all levels,” said Bin Ghalita.
“The new coach will not only be focusing on the first team but will also work with and watch the youth teams to work on the development of the national team.
“We have three games left and look forward to continuing the journey, thanking former coach Mahdi Ali and the previous administration for their work with the team.
“Today we begin a new journey with a new coach, who is a strong appointment capable of accomplishing championships. We will strive for development, benefiting from the previous stage and taking advantage of the negatives and positives, while looking forward to the next phase, which requires togetherness.”
Bauza will view the UAE job as an opportunity to redeem himself after being sacked by Argentina in April.
The two-time Copa Libertadores winning coach was only in charge of the Albiceleste for eight games, but left them fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, one point off automatic qualification with four games to go.
“I will need to get closer to the players and identify their abilities to realise the best vision of the future,” he said. “We have all the potential for good work and good results.
“I have good knowledge of the UAE national team, and I’m surprised by how they have moved-on from recent losses, there is a clear development, and the most important thing now is to work and make a relationship with the players so that they recognise me as a coach, and our communication is strong. We must also make sure all rules and regulations that contribute to the achievement of results are adhered to.”
Bauza will attend Al Jazira’s last game of the Arabian Gulf League season at home to Al Dhafra on Friday before flying back to Argentina. He will then return in time to watch next weekend’s President’s Cup final between Al Nasr and Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi.
