Henk ten Cate hailed Al Jazira’s fighting spirit as they upset the odds to beat the champions of Asia and set up a dream FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants, reigning European and world champions, will face the first UAE side to make it to the last four of the tournament on Wednesday after Ten Cate’s men put in a splendid display against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds – who were crowned AFC Champions League winners just two weeks ago.
Asked in his post-match press conference what was the secret ingredient behind victory, Ten Cate insisted there was no secret.
“This is a team which was formed two years ago when I arrived and we decided to say goodbye to some players and decided to bring in some players from the academy,” said Ten Cate, who celebrated success on his 63rd birthday.
“It’s not a secret. It’s a team. I’ve said lots of times we might not have the best players but we have the best team and team spirit. We fight for each other and we have a big heart. I’m very happy and very proud of this team.”
It’s been some turnaround for the Pride of Abu Dhabi, who were flirting with relegation when Ten Cate took over in December 2015 from fallen club idol Abel Braga.
He steered Jazira to the safety of mid-table by the end of the 2015/16 campaign and also delivered the President’s Cup, before a first Arabian Gulf League crown in six years was hoisted last season.
“We are a team that is very difficult to beat and we will fight until the last minute. Urawa had more possession than us but we have a good
spirit, fighting spirit and willpower,” added the Dutchman, who believes Jazira are now playing for the country and the city on Wednesday.
“We won the President’s Cup together, the championship together. Now we haven’t won anything, the only thing we won is the love of football fans in the UAE. We are not only playing for the club, but Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
