Ahead of the start of the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League season, The National will preview the fortunes of each of the UAE's 14 top-flight clubs. Here, John McAuley examines Fujairah.
Outlook
Top-flight survival secured for the first time in their history, Fujairah must now establish themselves as perennial Arabian Gulf League protagonists.
The east coast club returned to UAE football’s main table last season following a seven-year absence, but initially struggled to gain a foothold.
Uncertainty in the dugout did not help, with Djemal Hadziabdic dismissed before the season and Abdulwahab Abdulqadir gone by December. At the time, Fujairah were 12th in the table having collected nine points from 10 matches.
The appointment of Ivan Hasek, the former Al Ahli coach, proved astute: the Czech won 17 points from January as Fujairah finished ninth.
They need to build on their late-season bloom. Experienced duo Madjid Bougherra and Hassan Maatouk have been retained, but much will depend on how front pair Christophe Mandanne and Patrick Friday Eze settle.
Scoring goals was Fujairah’s main problem in 2014/15 – they tallied 23, the second lowest in the division. Increase their potency and they should remain on track.
Foreign quartet
Madjid Bougherra: The well-travelled defender agreed to another season at the club and will be better for last year’s experience. A genuine leader, he provides the side with a solid base.
Hassan Maatouk: A tricky winger, the Lebanese attacking midfielder was a key performer last season and was nominated for foreign player of the year. More goals needed, though.
Christophe Mandanne: The French forward, signed from Guingamp, has never played outside his homeland but was identified by Hasek as a player who could supply more flair. Sturdy, with a quick change of pace.
Patrick Friday Eze: The Nigerian arrives with a glowing reputation after he finished top scorer in the Serbian top flight last season with Mladost Lucani. A danger both inside and outside the area.
Key Emirati players
Keen to bolster their local roster, Fujairah have added potential and experience in Mubarak Hassan from relegated Ajman, Saoud Saeed from Al Nasr, Ali Saeed from Sharjah and Sultan Rashid from Al Wasl. Mohammed Khalfan, the lively 22-year-old midfielder, remains their leading light, though, and has the skills and the temperament to continue his progression.
Manager
Ivan Hasek, Czech Republic: A proven winner during his first spell at Ahli – he guided the Dubai club to the 2008 President’s Cup and then to the league title a year later – Hasek certainly has the pedigree to match Fujairah’s ambitions. Can be pragmatic, but has resolved to make the team more attack-minded this season.
The National’s verdict
Much depends on Fujairah’s new signings up front, with Mandanne and Eze entrusted to turn around a previously impotent attack. Given that the promoted sides are expected to struggle – Fujairah can look forward to renewing derby duels with Dibba – Hasek’s men will stay clear of the battle at the bottom. Anything higher than last season’s ninth should be viewed as a success.
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