Sparky’s Column

New Year New Start?

The little man is as honest as he is passionate, to hear Diego concede the league title in December seems a little defeatist but it is reality it is the truth. Last week the boys at Sport 360 predicted that Al Wasl would win a trophy but not the Pro League. I think the first part of the prediction is accurate already. We will find out if part two is going to happen in the next few months.

 

The transfer window is open in Europe and Lyon have made another approach for Al Wahda defender Al Kamali, the decision is not obviously just the players but the clubs board and obviously Lyon's. I have said before it would be great to see an Emirati finally player in Europe and in the shape of Lyon a top side at that. The problems within the FA that have been well documented in the last few weeks but all boil down to the weak performance of the team in World Cup qualifiers. Players with European experience would instantly raise the standards within the national team and in its own way solve the problems the FA face. If the transfer happens it could be the catalyst for the countries rise in the FIFA rankings

 

This week AC Milan and Paris St German face each other in Dubai. The number of foreign teams in the Emirates this time of year presents a unique opportunity.  If a team is using the facilities of the a local club then why not make it part of the deal that some of the youth players train with them. This will expose them to European standards and give them an insight into what it takes to become a pro at the highest level. The back room staff could exchange ideas and watch what goes on in terms of how they prepare a squad of elite players. If I was to use a terrible management speak phrase at this point it would be "it's a win win situation" The influx of teams is significant at this time of year and represents a chance to move the game forward in the UAE.

 

Finally let me wish everyone a Happy New Year, if it's half as eventful as 2011 then we are in for a few surprises and now doubt a few treats along the way.