BANGKOK, THAILAND // Edgardo Bauza says the UAE can handle the pressure of keeping alive their World Cup hopes, as the Argentine looks to kick-start his tenure with a necessary victory against Thailand on Tuesday.
The former Argentina national team manager, installed last month as Mahdi Ali’s successor, makes his competitive bow in the must-win qualifier at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
The UAE go into the match sat fourth in Group B, seven points off both the two automatic qualification spots and the third-placed play-off berth. With only three matches remaining, they will most likely require maximum points to stand any chance of making Russia next summer.
Bauza has had the full squad at his disposal since only May 31, first at a camp in Malaysia, where the UAE defeated Laos 4-0 in a friendly last week, and then in the Thai capital. However, he is confident the limited time will not affect his team in their quest to get their World Cup campaign back on track.
“I’ve had 12 days to prepare, when I wanted one month,” Bauza said. “But over the past 12 days, we worked hard all the time, using every minute, every hour. In training, I’ve talked to the players and they have adapted themselves. I am a coach, I understand every athlete. But every athlete must also try to adapt to me.
“We did not come here to lose. We came to win – for the remaining three games we will try to work it out for the best. Of course, the players must face the pressure and excitement. I will use my experience and ability to help, which will reinforce confidence and reduce the pressure on them.
“We are ready for Thailand, but it will be a difficult game because Thailand are the best team in south-east Asia. We hope we can beat them. This will make all our hard work worthwhile.”
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McAuley in Bangkok
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■ Comment: 12 days not perfect but enough
■ Diary: Tepid interest in bustling Bangkok
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Bauza, 59, was in charge of Argentina until April, but was dismissed eight months into his contract following a run of three victories in eight matches.
“I had a lot of experience with Argentina – I am still in contact with them now, because we have a good relationship,” he said. “When compared to the UAE, I am confident that I can do better with the UAE.
“The atmosphere here is very different from what we had in Argentina, but I have adapted to the players quickly and felt their keenness in working with me with faith and focus.”
Bauza has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Thailand, although there are already numerous absences in defence, with Ismail Ahmed, Abdulaziz Haikal and Walid Abbas out.
Possible UAE starting XI 4-4-1-1
GK Majed Naser; LB Mahmoud Khamis; CB Mohanad Salem; CB Hamdan Al Kamali; RB Abdulaziz Sanqour; LM Ahmed Khalil; CM Ahmed Barman; CM Khamis Esmail; RM Tariq Ahmed; AM Omar Abdulrahman; STR Ali Mabkhout
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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