Having made three additions, including Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak, to a squad that claimed a maiden Arabian Gulf Cup and a third-place finish in the Arabian Gulf League that clinched an AFC Champions League playoff berth last term, many would have expected the Mexican’s side to hit the ground running. But the Clarets have flattered to deceive, with their 2-0 defeat to Al Wasl in the AG Cup on Friday leaving them winless in five matches in all competitions.
Former Atletico Madrid boss Aguirre admits the form of his side is a real concern but is not ready to press the panic button just yet.
“There is always pressure in this job at the beginning or at the end. If you’re winning or not, the pressure level remains the same,” said the 57-year-old, who has managed Mexico and Japan at the World Cup.
“Whatever your job you are doing, there is always pressure. I’ve chosen this job in football and it’s not different to any other. I’ve been doing this for 40 years as a player and coach, and it’s the way that you handle it.”
First-half strikes from Fabio De Lima and Helder Barbosa were enough to condemn the holders to their second defeat in three games in Group A. Wahda sit sixth and face a stern task to finish inside the top two and have a chance of retaining their crown.
“We gave many opportunities away in the first half and then with three substitutions in the second, our display changed,” Aguirre said of defeat to the Cheetahs. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t score. But there is always pressure in the game, especially in my job, from the beginning to the end.”