The Saudi Arabian was named as Al Wahda manager on Wednesday night, replacing Jose Peseiro. Amith Passela looks at the back story of one of Asian football’s greats.
Storied career
Al Jaber, 42, played at four World Cups, won 163 international caps and scored 46 goals for his country in a playing career spanning two decades, before retiring in 2008. He won the Saudi League seven times with Al Hilal as well as two Asian Champions League titles. He was among the 10 inductees in the inaugural Asian Football Confederation Hall of Fame last year.
Spell in England
He spent his entire career at Hilal, apart from a five-month loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers in England during the 2000/01 season, where he made four appearances. Despite the club deciding not to take up an option to make the move permanent, he said at the time: “I’m very satisfied with that experience and the fact that I was the first professional from Saudi Arabia or the Gulf to play in England.”
Saudi success
Speaking to Fifa.com in 2010 about why so few Saudi Arabian players have moved to Europe, he said: “Professionalism is a difficult word for Saudis because it involves aspects some of our stars don’t have. The most important things needed for Saudis playing professionally abroad are patience and the ability to adapt, aspects that are often lacking.”
Managerial credentials
Al Jaber has previously coached Hilal, whom he led to a Saudi Federation Cup and a runners-up spot in the league and Crown Prince Cup in 2013/14. He arrives in Abu Dhabi from his post as director of football at Qatari Stars League team Al Arabi.
Opening game
Al Jaber was not at the Al Nahyan Stadium last night as Wahda beat Baniyas 3-1 in the Arabian Gulf League. His first test with the club will be only after the Asian Champions League play-off against Qatar’s Al Sadd on Tuesday with interim coach Majed Salem in charge. Sadd have former Al Ahli striker Grafite leading the line.
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