Henk ten Cate has already learned time is always in short supply at Al Jazira. The Arabian Gulf League’s supreme sackers saw their new Dutch boss claim a creditable 2-2 draw at Al Wasl on debut on Friday night.
The ex-Barcelona and Chelsea assistant had only two weeks to prepare a squad high on talent but low on confidence, with new boys Kenwyne Jones and Angel Lafita beginning from the start despite only formally completing their switches on Wednesday.
In the circumstances and against finely-tuned opponents who are superbly orchestrated by Gabriel Calderon, a share of the points was encouraging.
A side tipped for the title who instead plumbed the depths in 10th under Abel Braga turned from bottlers to battlers. Yet with Ten Cate the eighth coach hired in four-and-a-half seasons, he will be aware only wins will be accepted in future by an intolerant club determined to rapidly climb up the standings.The importance of an upturn is evidenced by the mystifying decision to ditch Eric Gerets in June, despite finishing second last term.
Ten Cate witnessed a promising beginning in tricky circumstances at Zabeel Stadium. Although understandably outplayed by the fourth-placed Cheetahs for much of the running, it is not inconceivable Jazira can soon compete with them for Asian qualification.
Any less and the 61-year-old’s six-month deal will not be extended. And neither should it be. He is in possession of an underachieving squad filled with fine foreigners and exciting young Emiratis. A recovery from Braga’s abominable return, which ended with the sack last month, is possible.
In his post-match press conference, Ten Cate promised much better days are to come once he is ingrained with his squad. With so few moments spent with his new charges, changes were not plentiful in Dubai.
The Middle East’s ubiquitous 4-2-3-1 formation was retained, all that differed was the choice of players. Thiago Neves was moved from the playmaking spot in which he has underwhelmed to one of the midfield pivots in front of the defence, UAE forward Ali Mabkhout then filling in that position.There was a recall for persona non grata Abdulla Mousa, who slotted in at centre-back. Outside him, 17-year-old left-back Saeed Hizam impressed on debut.
Cardiff City loanee Jones provided a physical presence as the lone striker, with Lafita flitting in and out from the left after his purchase from Getafe.
A lively opening saw Neves’ freekick fortuitously deflect in. The Pride of Abu Dhabi were outplayed from this point as Wasl rebounded, though the hosts had to twice come back from behind to claim a draw.
Neves typifies the reckless spending and chronic impatience at Jazira. Shunted into defensive midfield, the €10 million (Dh40m) summer buy from Al Hilal seems poised for an immediate exit.
Nevermind his seven Brazil caps, recent history of success with Saudi Arabian employers or lack of effective pre-season under the misguided Braga. A decision seems to have already been made to cut him loose before he ever had a real chance to impress. This is the systemic issue which has seen Jazira under perform despite incredible financial backing.
It is now up to Ten Cate to prove he is the man to marry transfer-market might with results. The draw at Wasl was a reasonable start. Much better has to follow.
