Sparky’s Column

The Revolving Door

It is a sad way to start the column with the news that Bruno Metsu has been diagnosed with 

what is believed to be stomach cancer. I have personal family experience of the disease and I know that it's an extremely debilitating condition, Bruno has been tight lipped so far and shown great dignity. I know he has the support of everyone in the game in the UAE and we can only hope that he returns sooner rather than later. One unexpected gesture was the visit from Maradona to see the man who replaced him at Al Wasl. It was a wonderful thing to do and shows that what Maradona may have lacked as a coach he more than makes up for as a man.

The season is still in its infancy but I would like to put it out there that team of the season are Dubai Club. I know that’s a very big call but I can back it up with the facts. In the last two seasons in the top flight the Al Awir club have been notoriously slow starters. I am not sure that paints an entirely realistic picture of their previous campaigns. In their first season back the first seven games did not yield a single point. This season a steady influence at the helm in the shape of René Marsiglia plus acquisitions like Uruguayan striker Porta have allowed the club to yield seven points in the league and three in the Etisalat Cup. It means they can look forward to season without constantly staring at the drop zone.

It seems the sacking season is upon us as Marcelo Cabo is the latest casualty to be shown the door. The Brazilian had secured only one point across all competitions this season. In a results driven game that’s not good enough and he becomes the second coach this season to pack his bags.  

Paulo Bonamigo the coach of Al Jazira is under severe pressure after the loss to Al Dhafra. The 2-1 score line whilst not the end of the road saw him at least enter a cul-de-sac. The club have called for a technical meeting to discuss the loss, it's not a good sign even at a club like Jazira who are a lot more patient than many. It's amazing how such a successful coach at Al Shabab cannot find the winning formula  in the same league. It is difficult to reverse a crisis of confidence and Paulo can only hope his team can get an unlikely victory in there next match against Champions Al Ain.