More time would have done a lot of good: Munzir

Things could have been more bright for the UAE if the technical staff had more time to prepare the team, according to assistant coach, Munzir Abdullah.

"Preparing the team needs time to reach the required degree of understanding strategy, discipline, physical fitness and psychological preparation," told Munzir to the Gulf News here yesterday.

"Regarding physical fitness we are happy with the players conditions as they have been taking part in competitions. But we needed more time to teach them how to cope with the new 4:4:2 system after playing with 3:5:2 for many years," Munzir added.

Coach Jo Bonfrere opted to make changes both in the line up and strategy in a bid to iron the problems which the team suffered in defence and attack. He introduced new custodians, a central libero in Abdulla Salim with better aerial abilities and two new strikers, Hayder Allo Ali and Abdul Aziz Al Anbary, who both used to play in midfield.

""But time was not available because of the obligations of Al Wahda and Al Ain. Nevertheless, we are happy with the progress during the last few days," Munzir explained.

Munzir admitted that the ADGDSA selection was a weak opponent in comparison with the teams the UAE have to face in the tournament.

"The two matches were technical training more than competitive friendlies. We could have played against stronger teams if we had the time. But we opted to play against a weaker team to be sure of understanding the new plans of play. Against stronger teams you can apply only the defensive part of the strategy and you need more time to be able to apply the offensive side."

Regarding psychological preparations, he explained, "Each player should realise that when he is invited to join the national team he should be determined to represent his country honourably and do his best. Our players are determined to achieve good results and do not need reminding of the tough challenge they will face in Riyadh."

The UAE technical staff, seemingly from the two friendlies they played have reached the ideal line up to play in the tournament.

"That might be correct about the first match, but the line up or the strategy of play might change according to each match and situations like injuries and suspensions. We have 22 players with us and all the players might play during the tournament. We will play five matches in a space of 13 days," Munzir said.