ABU DHABI // Laszlo Boloni, Al Wahda's new manager, arrived in the capital yesterday to complete the formalities on the contract that will see him take charge of the Pro League champions. The Romanian, 57, was set to meet Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed, the club chairman, and complete the paperwork ahead of an important 2010/11 season, which will see Wahda participate in the Club World Cup (CWC), in Abu Dhabi in December, as well as the Asian Champions League.
One of Boloni's primary objectives will be to see Wahda go beyond the first round of the CWC and redeem some pride after Al Ahli made a first-round exit last season, beaten 2-0 by Auckland City of New Zealand. "We made a lot sacrifices to reach the CWC and we don't want to throw away all that in one game," said Khaled Awadh, the club's deputy chief executive. "We want to make our country proud with a good performance and all this early planning is part of our preparation for the new season as well as the CWC."
Wahda face Hekari United, of Papua New Guinea, in the opening match of the CWC, to beheld in Abu Dhabi. "The coach will certainly understand for he is no stranger in Abu Dhabi [having spent the 2007/08 season with Al Jazira, who finished runners-up in the league]. "Every club begins the new season with high ambitions and obviously would want to win everything. And the coach is part of that plan. We don't expect wonders from him, but just hope he can fulfil some of those objectives. "The players are already aware with whom they are going to work for the next season and they are looking forward for it. Boloni has a good reputation as a player and coach, and more importantly has the respect of our players."
Boloni is expected to start in June before taking the team for to Germany in July for a camp. @Email:apassela@thenational.ae