Sparky’s Column

Leading Teams Visit the UAE

This time of year is busy for football in the UAE as this part of the world becomes a favourite stop-off point for European teams on their winter break. AC Milan played a friendly with Al Ahli which saw Cannavaro and O'Leary face-off against old adversaries. Hamburg are also catching some winter sun in Dubai as they prepare for the second half of their season and will play a match against Al Wasl on Tuesday night.

I wonder about the value of the 'friendlies' for local teams. Sometimes they seem to be slightly awe struck when facing any European side. When you see the teams line up against each other you are often struck by the difference in size. The average UAE national player is slim and wiry compared to the Europeans. This can lead to potential injury problems as the players are not used to the intensity and physicality of the football.

The European teams treat the games as training exercises but for local teams it is a huge deal which can take a player's focus away from the domestic League. Last year Werder Bremen played Al Ain, winning the game 2-1. The Germans took just 13 players to the match and played the match after a double training session during the day, yet still managed to win. Is this likely to build confidence in a struggling team or even knock some of the self belief out of a side doing well?

I think joint training camps combined with the games could be more beneficial to local sides. Imagine the local players being able to experience the training methods of the world's biggest clubs. The chance to gain some insight from players plying their trade in the world's top leagues would be invaluable. The clubs coming here get access to great facilities, unmatched hospitality and of course the sunshine so maybe they could give something back to the football here.

The UAE seems to be the ideal preparation ground for teams getting set for Asian football's showdown in Qatar, the AFC Asian Cup starting on the 7th January. South Korea and Australia have based themselves here before the big event. The UAE play Australia in a friendly before the main event but what of our chances? I am hopeful of a decent performance in the competition - the opposition are Iran who are in transition lacking the leadership of a permanent coach. Current incumbent Ghotbi will leave soon after the competition and remember what happened to France in the same situation! Defending champions Iraq have been in disarray since then and North Korea, well who knows. Coach Katanec will have a full squad available for the competition after reduced numbers for the Gulf Cup. Ismaeil Mattar and Ahmed Khalil mean the firepower of the team is significantly increased. Jumaa looks strong in midfield and a rising star is Awana of Bani Yas. He scored in the warm up match versus Syria and has looked very strong in the Etisalat Pro-League this year. If Katanec gives youth a chance, then they may do well over the next three weeks.