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, Ahmed Rizvi looks at Emirates.
Outlook
Not happy about their last campaign when they finished 10th, Emirates have set their sights on finishing higher and they seem to have made the right reinforcements to get the job done.
Brett Holman, the indefatigable Australian, has come in after starring with Al Nasr over the past two seasons, while coach Paulo Comelli has high regards for his compatriot Rodrigo Pimpao, whom Comelli coached in Brazil, as well.
“Rodrigo made his first professional appearance under me,” Comelli said. “He was 19 years old back then, and now he has matured as a player and has lots of experience. So I have a lot of confidence in him and I know he will play a big role for us in the coming season.”
Emirates also brought in the young but impressive Colombian striker Wilmar Jordan to lead their attack, and have added four new Emirati players.
Comelli is looking forward to the season. “I am confident we are going to have a really good year, do better than last season and meet the aspirations of our fans,” he said.
Foreign quartet
Brett Holman: One of the architects of Al Nasr’s cup double last season, the Australian has moved on for a new challenge and is an exciting addition to the Ras Al Khaimah team.
Issam Erraki: The only foreign player retained by Emirates, the Moroccan will be looking to repay the club for their trust. But first, he needs to sit out a four-match ban.
Rodrigo Pimpao: Having played for some of Asia’s top clubs, in Japan, South Korea and Iran, the Brazilian comes to Emirates with an impressive resume.
Wilmar Jordan: The 24-year-old Colombian striker has played in the Venezuelan and Bulgarian leagues, scoring 29 goals in 54 matches the past two seasons for Litex Lovech. Emirates need him to be prolific in the UAE, as well.
Key Emirati players
The club has seasoned Emirati campaigners like Haidar Ali, Mahmoud Hassan Darwish, Mohammed Malallah, Saud Faraj and Sami Anbar on their roster and have added quality by bringing in Helal Saeed and Khaled Srawesh from Al Nasr, Al Ahli’s Walid Anbar and Essa Abdullah of Al Wahda.
Manager
Paulo Comelli, Brazil. He joined the club in December 2013, and the Brazilian, 55, has steadily improved Emirates’ position on the points table despite their modest resources.
The National verdict
Emirates have made some strong additions and the decision to continue with coach Paulo Comelli provides technical stability. The key question is whether Jordan, who has arrived late, and Erraki can help the team score more goals than last term. Their performance up front could be crucial for the team.
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