Dubai club’s AGL relegation fight should be no surprise

The Al Awir club are a compelling example of the potent ills that affect the UAE’s top division, blighted by instability and burdened by a whimsical board, writes John McAuley.

Gilles Yapo, left, of Dubai, celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Jazira earlier in the Arabian Gulf League season. Goals have been few and far between for the club this year. Satish Kumar / The NationalShow less

It does not take deep powers of analysis to understand why Dubai club are at the foot of the Arabian Gulf League, for it is a path well trodden. The Al Awir club are a compelling example of the potent ills that affect the UAE’s top division, blighted by instability and burdened by a whimsical board.

A glance at the current standings reinforces the point: Dubai have collected fewer points than their 13 top-flight rivals, tasting victory just twice in 18 rounds. They possess the leakiest defence, while only Al Shaab, closest in the standings, have scored fewer goals. Although, that should not surprise.

Dubai were the most mercurial negotiators last summer, one morning announcing the acquisition of three foreign players, then discarding everyone but Andre Alves before the season began. Alves could count himself fortunate, until he was let go after one appearance.

It did not take long for the shuffling within the squad to permeate the dugout, with Martin Rueda deemed dispensable six matches into his tenure.

A 3-2 victory over Emirates and a creditable 2-2 draw at Al Jazira were not enough to save his job. His harsh introduction to UAE football, which included matches against the previous season’s top four in Dubai’s first six features, did not gain him a reprieve.

And so to Umberto Barberis, and another frenetic splurge in the January transfer window. Dubai recruited Salaheddine Saidi and Mustafa Conde, and originally decided to ditch Gilles Yapi Yapo only to backtrack at the 11th hour.

It has had little effect anyway, with Dubai losing both matches since, conceding six while failing to find the net, albeit against a couple of difficult opponents. Tonight’s home match with Jazira should not provide much relief, either, but after Walter Zenga’s title-chasing band roll into town Dubai have a series of assignments that will seal their fate.

In the next five rounds, they face a stuttering Al Wasl, then emerge from a tough tie at Al Shabab to meet Ajman, Al Dhafra and Al Shaab. Those three matches are key: if Dubai are to retain top-tier status for a fifth consecutive year, then a trio of victories is required. It should be followed by a summer of serious introspection.

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