Ahead of the start to the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League season, The National will preview the fortunes for each of the UAE’s 14 top-flight clubs. Here, John McAuley examines newly-promoted Al Shaab.
Outlook
Back in the top fight following last season’s stint in Division One, Al Shaab are determined to avoid a swift return. That may prove little more than a pipe dream, especially since their last appearance was largely forgettable.
Having narrowly avoided relegation in 2012/13, Shaab eventually succumbed to gravity, remaining rooted to the bottom of the table for most of the season before finishing with 13 points from 26 matches.
What of Shaab 2015? The first half of the year has been a success, after the Sharjah club confirmed promotion by securing second place. As is always the case for AGL new boys, they have attempted to transform the side to provide the best possible chance of survival.
Tarek El Ashry has been installed as coach, with Michael N’Dri the only foreigner retained. Celio Santos, Matias Donoso and Amr Al Sulaya have joined, but the untested trio needs to gel quickly. Despite the outlay, scoring goals looks likely to be their gravest concern.
Foreign quartet
Michael N’Dri: Now a veritable veteran, the French striker has stayed with Shaab through several relegations and promotions. Top scorer for the side last season but never prolific in the top flight.
Celio Santos: Recently spent four months at Iran’s Tractor Sazi, playing only nine times. The Brazil-born East Timor international is a commanding presence who can play at left-back or in central defence.
Matias Donoso: The Chilean attacking midfielder, signed from Cobresal, offers a goal threat, having scored once every two starts for his previous club. An efficient set-piece taker.
Amr Al Sulaya: Controversy surrounded the Egyptian midfielder’s transfer from Ismaily, with Shaab seen as a stopgap for a move to Al Ahly. He brings international experience to the club.
Key Emirati players
Shaab have been one of the busiest clubs in the local market this summer, adding nine Emiratis to their ranks.
Ajman duo Mansour Abbas and Talal Mubarak have joined, along with Al Ain’s Mohammed Salem, Al Dhafra’s Abdulraheem Hassan (on loan) and Omran Hussein, and Fahad Sabil from Al Nasr.
Hussein Al Hamadi arrived on a free transfer, while Faraj Juma was loaned from Al Ain. Last week, they extended their temporary deal for Al Wasl midfielder Maher Jassim.
Manager
Tarek El Ashry, Egypt: An experienced coach in his homeland, the former ENNPI manager was installed earlier this summer as a successor to Eid Baroot. El Ashry rose to prominence initially as a player for Haras El Hodood before graduating to the dugout at the Egyptian military club. In 2009, he guided them to a first league championship crown.
The National’s verdict
Previous spells at the UAE’s top table have been blighted by an inability to find the net, while Shaab have failed to keep out goals, too. This season promises to present the same problems, particularly since they have one of the weakest squads in the league. The decision to release Simon Feindouno, the experienced Guinean, will cost them. Expect Shaab to be involved in the battle at the bottom throughout.
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