Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Zlatko Dalic has called for organisation, discipline and collective effort as he begins his tenure as UAE national team head coach, saying he is aware of the expectations surrounding the football team and determined to build a competitive team.
The Croatian was formally unveiled by the UAE Football Association on Thursday, a day after his appointment was announced, with the focus now turning to his plans ahead of the Gulf Cup 27 and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
"Leading the UAE national team represents a great responsibility and a new challenge in my coaching career," Dalic said at a press conference at the association's headquarters in Dubai.
"I am aware of the high expectations placed on the team, and the next stage requires continuous work and complete focus in order to reach the goals we seek to achieve."
Dalic, who guided Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and third place at the 2022 tournament, said he believes Emirati football has the potential to develop further.
"I believe there is good potential in Emirati football, and our mission will be to work on developing it and enhancing collective performance through organisation and discipline, and building a team that possesses a clear style and a competitive character on the field," he said.
The 59-year-old said his familiarity with UAE football would help him settle into his new role quickly, while stressing the importance of understanding the players and making the most of the resources available. "I have a good knowledge of Emirati football, and this helps me to quickly adapt. I also realise the great ambitions of Emirati football fans," Dalic said.
"We will get to know the players better, and we will strive to develop their abilities and take advantage of the existing potential to achieve the best possible results."
Dalic also emphasised that progress would require a collective effort from the players, coaching staff and wider football establishment. "Success requires everyone's cooperation, and we will focus on working step by step in order to bring the national team to the level that everyone aspires to, and to compete in a manner befitting Emirati football," he said.
Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the UAE Football Association, said the federation would provide the new coaching staff with the necessary support to achieve its objectives.
"We are delighted to have Coach Zlatko Dalić within the UAE football family, and we wish him and his coaching staff every success in their upcoming mission," Al Dhaheri said.
"Our selection of the coach came after careful consideration, based on his vast experience and his ability to manage major tournaments and build competitive teams."
