Ahmed Al Marzouqi is confident Abel Braga will be given the time he needs to turn Al Jazira’s disappointing start to the Arabian Gulf League season around.
Braga’s return has not lived up to its billing, Jazira winning just two AGL games so far, but Al Marzouqi, who works closely with the 63-year-old in his capacity as first team supervisor, says the club will not panic.
“I don’t think we are giving up or losing Abel Braga,” he said. “I swear there is nothing (going on) behind the scenes. We work as a family. Everyone is supporting him.
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“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (club president) is always there, in Abel’s office.
“I’m always with Abel in his office. We always talk and discuss everything. We talk about how to improve ourselves.”
The Brazilian was brought back to the UAE capital to win trophies following a barren spell without silverware since his successful first stint with the Pride of Abu Dhabi between 2008-11.
In that time, Jazira won the 2010 Emirates Cup as well as the league and President’s Cup double in Braga’s final season.
Since then, however, only the 2012 President’s Cup has been added to the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium trophy cabinet, while Jazira fell away alarmingly in the final weeks of the AGL title race last season.
They suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to reigning AGL champions Al Ain on Friday and while the Garden City side’s bid to retain their title is flourishing, defeat left Jazira 10 points adrift.
Al Marzouqi said the club, like the fans, want instant success, but are prepared to be patient, as they were during Braga’s initial tenure.
“We waited three years with Abel Braga until we became league champions in 2011,” said Al Marzouqi.
“We told him we trust in you Abel, just work hard. We believe in you and even if the team lose or are not successful this year, we’ll start again. We are still in the beginning.
“We’ll try our best. If we have a chance to continue for the league championship that will be wonderful but if not we will fight for another cup, like the Arabian Gulf Cup or President’s Cup.
“We have the tools, we have good players, we have the facilities, we have the support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour and the board. Everyone just wants to come back from this and start working hard again.”
Next Match will be against @AlWahdaFCC at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium as part of the 4th week of the #Arabian_Gulf_Cup pic.twitter.com/F8wq6Ne3ZK
— AlJazira FC Official (@AlJazira_uae) November 1, 2015
Al Marzouqi also touched on Braga’s influence on younger players, reflecting on the fact current Jazira and UAE star Ali Mabkhout made his bow under Braga in 2008.
“We know he is the one who always gives chances to young players, like Ali Mabkhout,” said Al Marzouqi.
“He was young and Abel gave him his chance. Against Al Ain he gave a chance to Salem Ali, Mohammed Al Hammadi, Ahmed Rabeya and Ahmed Al Attas. We know this guy, how he works.”
