Al Jazira coach ignores Omar for rest of the season

Abu Dhabi: The UAE captain Mohammad Omar does not figure in Al Jazira head coach Jan Versleijen's plans for the remaining matches of ing the Etisalat First Division Football League.

Versleijen told Gulf News that Omar missed several training sessions.

"He is outside the country with his family at the moment. We can't include him in our plans for the remaining matches," Versleijen said.

The rift between the head coach and the striker started during their league match against Al Nasr last December in which Omar showed his anger when he was replaced. It was an attitude which Versleijen rejects.

Omar then missed training complaining of injury but he reported to the training camp of the UAE and led his country's team to win the 18th Gulf Cup in January.

Al Jazira are third in the standings with 26 points from 15 matches, four points behind the joint leaders Al Wasl and Al Wahda.

"We have great hopes to win the title this season and we will depend upon the players who are training with us and doing what we want in the matches. It is too late in the season to change the line up which is doing a marvellous job.

"It is true that our hopes depend also on the results achieved by Al Wasl and Al Wahda but there are still seven matches and everything can happen in them," Versleijen said.

"We have a good bench and all players are ready to do their job. We do not depend upon one player," Versleijen added.

Omar explained his position yesterday.

"I was in Thailand in the American Hospital and the management of the club know that fact.

"I have intention to transfer from Al Jazira and all reports connecting me with Al Nasr and Al Wasl are not true. I will join my team's training session today," said the Al Jazira player.