Sparky’s Column

Dream start and a Dream Job

What a deference two games make, Diego was under pressure after the 5-0 drubbing by Dubai. The board even gave the manager a dreaded vote of confidence, never a good sign. A week or so later the boards confidence was not misplaced as Maradona's men top the table, alright its only the start of the season but the only 100% record in the league matches the sky high expectations.

A picture paints a thousand words and Walter Zenga's gestures at his press conference featured in the pages of Gulf News told their own story. I didn't need to read the accompanying article to see he was not happy with the assembled hacks. Zenga was the outstanding keeper of the late 80's and early 90's. He was a natural competitor who knew how to win and how to stay at the very top of the world game. I am sure that's why he gets annoyed with the press questioning his credentials. I have spoken to people at the club and they say he is the stand out coach in the league. The players preparation is second to none and the training sessions taken by himself are meticulous their planning for matches. He made the point that the club has not enjoyed any level of success for years and turning that around is not an over night process. I personally hope he is given time to prove his worth and take an underachieving club back to their place amongst the games elite. 

 

Asamoah Gyan is the highest profile signing in the league since the days of Gearge Weah at Al Jazira. He is a player at the peak of his powers and I was expecting an a avalanche of goals, so far these have failed to materialise in a slow start to the season. It obviously takes time to settle at a new club but the expectation is he will be top scorer in the Pro League.  Sunderland his old club scored two without reply at the weekend, so he isn't being missed at The Stadium of Light. The next few games will be huge for Gyan if he is to live upto his billing as the Leagues most exciting player.

 

 Professional footballer is a dream job, I dreamt about it as a kid and still do now if I am honest. I saw Bare and Lucas Neil at the Fairmont in Abu Dhabi, they arrived at the hotel in high end cars, wearing designer clothes and spent the day in the lap of luxury. If this sounds like I am jealous then it's because I am. My lack of football ability has always been something that has played on my mind and never more so than last week. The great thing about being a professional footballer is you are a very small pool of people in high demand  and the rewards reflect that. Maybe I will make it one day but at 38 time isn't exactly on my side.