'A professional mentality may take up to a generation'

Dubai: Al Ahli's football team manager says it will take time to implement total professionalism in the UAE.

Mohammad Ahmad Hamdoon, manager of the Al Ahli senior football team, said it was not simply a case of the game becoming a full-time job.

He said: "Someone had to make the move and set the ball of professionalism rolling, and I am glad we did it starting this season.

"Yet, we know that it is just a matter of time when we can truly call ourselves professionals.

"All I know is that right now, we are not professional."

Hamdoon was speaking during a pre-season training session for the senior side before they travel to Austria for a training camp.

"There are several things that need to change, and one of the most important among these is the mentality of the players and the officials as well," he said.

The UAE Football Association has appointed a special Professional Football League Committee to usher in professionalism from this season.

Clubs have signed existing players on full-time contracts while also bringing in others for the new season.

Hungry to begin

"We have not made any major changes at Al Ahli as we believe we have the professional attitude among our players. They understand what is needed of them and they are hungry to go all out for the new season.

"We recognise the need to have a fresh mentality where most of the emphasis is on winning. This transition will definitely take some time, maybe even one generation of players," Hamdoon added.

The manager has seen the shift among his players since they reported back for pre-season training two days ago.

He said: "I can feel the change in them and I can say that it is a very positive change."

Last season, Al Ahli were heading for a rare double after winning the President's Cup. But they failed to add the league title following a series of draws against Sharjah, Al Ain, Al Wasl and Emirates Club before they lost their final game 2-1 against Al Wahda.

Hunger to win

"Our players realise that we don't need to cry about what has happened last season. We need to move on and for that we have to show the hunger to win," said Hamdoon.

He added there would be a lot of changes even if things appeared the same on the pitch.

"Nothing will come easy from now on as all teams will be out to win and be champions. Admitted, it will be the same on the field, but things will be completely different off the field."

Pre-season: Players set for chelsea

Dubai :The Al Ahli senior football squad are set to leave for Austria on Saturday.

During their two-week training camp, Al Ahli will play at three friendly matches against local teams.

"We have fixed the friendlies for July 30, September 3 and 7," manager Mohammad Ahmad Hamdoon told Gulf News.

After their two weeks in Austria, the squad will move to London for another fortnight where Al Ahli will play three friendly matches, including the reserve teams from Chelsea and Arsenal.

"After the external training camp we will return and continue with our preparations for the season ahead," Hamdoon stated.

In their first game of the season, Al Ahli face etisalat UAE National Football League winners Al Shabab in the Super Cup on September 14.

Meanwhile the squad will continue their pre-season training in Dubai until tomorrow.

All players have been going through medical checks to test their level of fitness before the season kicks-off.

Key players Mohammad Qasim and Ali Abbas are still recovering from injuries they picked up last season.

Abbas has undergone surgery on his knee while Qasim has almost recovered after undergoing an operation on his ankle.

"Both should be back in the main team during our training camp in Europe," Hamdoon said.