Ten Cate coy on Al Jazira future

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  • Victorious boss Henk ten Cate refused to be drawn on his future after he ended Al Jazira’s four-year trophy drought last night with a dramatic shootout win against Al Ain in the President’s Cup final.

    The Pride of Abu Dhabi had UAE centre-back Mohanad Salem’s decisive striking of the woodwork to thank as they lifted silverware for the first time since 2012’s triumph in the same competition.

    This marked the completion of the short-term contract the Dutchman signed in December when he took over from disastrous re-appointment Abel Braga.

    “We are speaking,” said Ten Cate, 61, when pressed on the possibility of a renewal. “But let’s talk about the celebrations.

    “I am not so important. The fact of the matter is we won the President’s Cup. This is a big thing for the club.”

    He added: “I have not seen my daughter and my mother for five months. This is my first aim and first objective, to go home and enjoy the company of my family.”

    Opposite number Zlatko Dalic retained pride in the work of his squad, despite his successful stint in the Garden City – which began in March 2014 – now likely to be ending on a sour note.

    The concession of the AGL title to rivals Al Ahli is expected to cost him his job, and he said: “First I take rest, it has been 11 months of hard work. My target is to stay in this region, which club I won’t say.”

    “Mabrook for Jazira for the trophy, and bad luck for my team,” the Croat added. “But after this game, I can just be proud of my players.”

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