Al Jazira have had more than enough opportunities to hire the correct coach. This time, it is imperative they get it right.
Abel Braga became the seventh boss in four years to exit Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday, the Arabian Gulf League’s serial sackers striking once again.
The effect of seasons of organisational chaos are now being felt, with a similarly disruptive approach taken to the all-important four foreign slots.
– Al Jazira: Abel Braga sacked with club lying 12th
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The next person in charge and his squad must be afforded patience. It is the only way success will be enjoyed once again, with champions Al Ain under Zlatko Dalic and 2015 AFC Champions League finalists Al Ahli with Cosmin Olaroiu proving that continuity works.
Braga was re-hired in June in a vain bid to repeat the glory days of his first spell from 2008-11. Misery followed instead.
Last term’s runners-up under the ruthlessly dismissed Eric Gerets are currently languishing in an ignominious 11th.
Plenty of blame for this rapid decline can fall at the door of the Brazilian and his exit is perfectly justifed, his ability on the training field being disparaged.
A criminally undercooked squad experienced minimal exertion during the critical pre-season where fitness and understanding is developed, while detailed work to correct the creaking defence he inherited – a talented team’s Achilles heel – never occurred.
Change, once again, swept through Jazira’s non-Emirati ranks during the summer and it does not reflect well on the decision makers.
It’s the one we’ve all been waiting for. Understand #Braga has been sacked by @AlJazira_uae. Squad have been informed of decision @Sport360
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) December 12, 2015
Confirmation from @AlJazira_uae about Braga’s exit. Sorry chapter in club’s history comes to an end @Sport360 https://t.co/MZYH6aSlon
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) December 12, 2015
Only 2014-15 AGL top scorer Mirko Vucinic was retained, and Schalke 04 forward Jefferson Farfan, Al Hilal playmaker Thiago Neves and Guangzhou R&F centre midfielder Park Jong-woo were brought in.
Apart from the solid sale of the average Jucilei to Shandong Luneng, the list of who made way does not make good reading for the hierarchy.
Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini has been linked to Premier League giants Liverpool after shining on loan at West Ham United, while third-placed Al Nasr have been boosted by the three goals and two assists from excellent winger Jonathan Pitroipa.
This list of star alumni sold in previous years also includes striker Ricardo Oliveira, who has returned to the Brazil squad after excelling at Santos. Argentine attacking midfielder Matias Delgado is the captain of Swiss Super League champions FC Basel.
The coaches who have received the boot are not no-hopers. With the exception of the woeful Luis Milla, they deserved more than an average of 25 games in charge.
Among their number, Caio Junior led under-resourced Al Shabab to third place in 2014-15. Gerets has lifted league titles in Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while Walter Zenga had Sampdoria 10th in Serie A before impatiently being given the boot in November.
Time is on Jazira’s side to make sure the right appointment is made. Interim boss Ali Al Junaibi is highly-rated, while counsel is sure to be provided by esteemed academy director Brian Eastick.
The successor to the doomed Braga must be lavished with forbearance from the board, rather than the simple belief a large chequebook will guarantee a steady flow of trophies.
During the last four tumultuous years, only the 2012 President’s Cup has been won – evidence enough that something has to change.
