Dubai: He has been the heart of the UAE and Al Wahda teams. As a nippy youngster five years back, Esmail Mattar was the toast of the nation when he was adjudged the best player at the 2003 Fifa World Youth Cup held here. Since then, he has had accolades coming his way - making the list of probables on two occasions for choosing the best player in Asia.
Despite all this, Mattar feels he still has a long, long road ahead of him. He knows the need of the hour - he wants to see the UAE qualify to the 2010 Fifa World Cup to be held in South Africa - a goal vigorously pursued by the UAE Football Association.
But with just one point at the bottom of the five-team pool, the task seems almost impossible. Not for Mattar though, who feels the UAE can still make it to South Africa next year.
Gulf News: Do you still think the UAE has a chance to qualify to the 2010 Fifa World Cup?
Esmail Mattar: Yes I do. I am one of those positive people who believe in the ability of our team, and we can do it.
Considering that you have just one point, how do you think you can achieve this?
Take a look at the teams and the points they have. The leader has nine points and Saudi Arabia has five. All we need to do is to win the next couple of matches and we are right there among the group leaders.
So, the important thing would be the points?
Yes, we need the points. And the only way to do this is to win the next two games. There are going to be no short-cuts.
So you don't think you need to take another look at your goals for qualifying to next year's World Cup?
No I don't think so. We have the team and the belief and confidence that we can achieve this goal.
How, or rather where does this confidence come from?
It comes from a fantastic set of players, particularly the younger players that we have in our team. Some of these young players have been doing so well. They can match even the best on the international stage. They have the mentality and the confidence to go out there and achieve what they set as their goals.
What do you think these goals should be?
I honestly think they should step out on to the international stage. They should go and try their luck in the leagues in Europe. They are good enough for Europe.
What about you then? Why do you not go?
I can't go. I am not allowed to go. I do have the opportunities to go and play in Europe, but they will not let me go. I believe in my capabilities, but they simply won't allow me to go.
But if you were given a chance to go, where would you go and play?
I would go to Spain.
To Barcelona since you like the club?
No. I would go to one of the lower divisions in Spain and try to work my way up. But I am 25 now and the best years of my football are over.
Many players use the UAE as a stepping stone to their professional careers in Europe. Did you ever think of this?
Yes, I did. There are so many who have made a name for themselves, particularly the Iranians who have played in the UAE. I have played against European teams and I doubt we don't have anything that they do. We are as talented as they are, but the only thing that may be missing is the will to work hard.
So you think players from the UAE are good enough for Europe?
Yes, we are. But we have to get the football mentality. We need to get the aspect of teamwork and the notion that each player has a role to play on and off the field.
What are Al Wahda's chances for the UAE Football League title this season?
I don't think we are serious contenders to the title. We are way down in the standings and I don't think we can consider ourselves among the top teams.
Why is this?
It is because of the same mistakes that Al Wahda has been making since the past couple of years. The management is aware of these mistakes and I feel they are keen to correct these in the near future. And unless they go about correcting these mistakes, we can never be considered among the top teams.
But you don't seem to be particularly perturbed with the situation the club is in considering the fact that you are always so lively on and off the field?
This is because I don't consider football as a job. Yes, it is true that I get paid to play football. But for me, football is much more than just playing.I love doing what I am doing and no one can deny me this pleasure.
