Faisal's omission in team's interest: Schaefer

Dubai: The omission of striker Faisal Khalil is one of the best things that happened to the UAE national team, according to Al Ain coach Winfried Schaefer.

"With Faisal out of the team, there is a much better scope for younger players to function while also giving a lethal striker like Mohammad Omar a better chance to operate," Schaefer told Gulf News as he attended yesterday's training of Italian giants AC Milan.

"Omar brings in the experience and the UAE team has a few young faces capable and hungry of proving themselves," Schaefer stated.

"The coach (Dominique Bathenay) has a good team now and Faisal will somehow not fit into the present set-up," Schaefer said.

Schaefer was the coach of Al Ahli for two years with Khalil among the club regulars representing the country during his tenure.

The German coach tipped the UAE among the three favourites for the Gulf Cup that got under way in Muscat yesterday. "Oman are the hot favourites, but Saudi Arabia and the UAE will also be there contesting for the title," Schaefer predicted.

The UAE start the defence of the Gulf Cup title they won last year with their opener against Yemen later today.