Al Ain senior team return from camp

The Al Ain senior soccer team, last year's League Champions, returned home on Wednesday midnight after spending 24 days in their European external camp, held jointly in Austria and Germany.

The mission included 41 persons and was headed by Hamad bin Nikhairat Al Amry, member of Al Ain Executive Committee and Supervisor of the first, reserve and youth teams.

Al Ain played seven friendlies during their preparation camp, achieving five wins, drawing twice and losing one. They humiliated the Austrian second division squads Helen and Brats 8-0 and 7-0, respectively, in Salisburg at the outset of the camp.

The UAE team continued their winning streak in Germany when they defeated West, second division German Club, 2-1. They played two games against the Libyan National outfit whose warm-up camp was coinciding with that of Al Ain at the same venue.

The teams drew with 1-1 in the first match but Al Ain beat the Libyans 3-2 in the second match. Al Ain played their best friendlies against Nortburg in Germany. They lost 2-3 before holding the hosts to a 1-1 draw in the camp's concluding tie.

Hamad Al Amry praised the success of the team achieved in the camp saying the French coach Bruno Metsu had tested all the players and he had formed a good idea about the team.

"There was a high-degree of harmony among the players who were more enthusiastic, responsible and organised throughout the period. They adapted the newly-introduced tactics and plans of the coach.

"They trained twice a day and their performance during the training sessions and friendly games was quite convincing to the technical body," stated Al Amry.

The mission's head told Gulf News that Metsu monitored a number of expatriate players during the external stay, but has not as yet given a final word.

He said: "We are not in a hurry to sign the second pro. We are studying a variety of alternatives at the moment. The team's technical body is keen to sign a player who can serve the club and achieve its aspirations."

Meanwhile, Al Amry said that a French expatriate was summoned to the camp just a few days before the concluding day to test the physical abilities of the players. He tested their endurance level, running to short and long distances, jumping and other related tests. The expatriate found the players quite fit and their performance was very successful.

At the same time Al Ain is to return to field tomorrow evening when they conduct their first home training session following a two-day rest.

Bruno Metsu who was due to arrive yesterday from Paris will lead tomorrow's training at Qattara Stadium. Al Ain is going to play a single local friendly on Sunday against Al Dhafra Club, the recently promoted team to the first division.