Aguirre signs new contract extension with Al Wahda

Matt Jones - Editor 15:35 08/03/2016
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  • Javier Aguirre has extended his deal at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

    Al Wahda coach Javier Aguirre insists the Clarets should be fighting for the Arabian Gulf League title as the Mexican signed a 12-month contract extension on Monday that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.

    Aguirre, the former Mexico, Japan and Atletico Madrid manager, replaced Sami Al Jaber at the Clarets in July and his contract had been set to expire in June.

    The 57-year-old has proved a popular figure at Al Nahyan Stadium since his appointment, with his side currently sitting fifth in the Arabian Gulf League table and in the hunt for a third-placed finish which would bring AFC Champions League qualification, while Aguirre has led Wahda to the Arabian Gulf Cup final where they will play Al Shabab on April 1.

    Despite the fact his side are in the running for third-place, two points off current occupiers Al Wasl, as well as a trophy in his debut campaign in UAE football, Aguirre doesn’t think Wahda have reached their potential this season.

    “For next season, our target is of course to get first place. All other targets is not enough for this team,” he said.

    “There are no excuses . We are in the same level of any team and we are going for anything. Today is difficult to say that. If you look at the table now we are too many points behind the leaders and we lost eight games and this number to become champions is too much.

    “I have the desire to continue working with the team and I’m sure next year we will have a very strong team to compete in the big competitions.

    “We need to have more energy and play together to get third position for the Asian Champions League. We have a lot of teams competing for that place and we have the President’s Cup, so ending the season with a trophy is possible. We are all taking things seriously.”

    Aguirre says he and his family feel at home in Abu Dhabi and he believes he is a good fit for a club that has a strong community feel enveloping it.

    “I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Al Wahda who has such unity and ambition,” he said.

    “I’m not here for financial reasons. Since I’ve been here I feel at home, even my family does. My family are very happy to be here in Abu Dhabi and it’s a great city.

    “Everybody has been good to me. When you have such love for one club, you don’t think about going to other teams.

    “My agent spoke to me six or seven months ago, and the club told me three things – to give attention to the academy, financial stability and it’s a family-knit club. It’s a great club to be part of.

    “The club has all the ingredients to achieve success in the future because we work in the spirit of a family.”

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