Metsu's magic does the trick again

Abu Dhabi: French coach Bruno Metsu was cheered all the way to the post-match press conference after the French coach's rare double achievement with UAE football.

Metsu's magic and mantra worked again as the UAE won the Gulf Cup in their very first attempt and this achievement adds to the earlier one he earned for UAE football when he led Al Ain to the Asian Football Confederation Champions League title in 2003.

"I played to win and I am very thrilled with the result. Today our team never allowed the Omanis much space and it was a tough game, being the final," he said.

Metsu also said it was a gamble he took by replacing three players much before the end and he was happy that it ended positively.

"The match could have gone to extra time and tie-breaker. We may have had injuries, but I decided to blood three players in the second half as I just wanted to go for a win," said the man, who led Senegal to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.

Commenting on Esmail Mattar's performance, Metsu said the striker made up for his slow start in the event. "He was criticised for his play in the early rounds, but he is a quality player and showed what he is capable off," said Metsu.

In reply to a question on whether he would help Mattar play in Europe, Metsu said: "This is not in my hands. However, he is a quality striker and will do well if he gets a chance."

Regarding the tactics he employed against the wily Milan Macala's team, Metsu said his team had learnt from the loss to Oman in the opening match.

"We decided to play for a win. We never allowed them to control the ball and it paid off."

Macala failed to attend the press conference just like Metsu did after losing the opening match for which he was fined $1,000.