Hernan Crespo was last week appointed manager of record UAE champions Al Ain, replacing departing Dutchman Alfred Schreuder in the dugout.
Crespo, a former Argentine international who after starting his career with River Plate represented a host of leading European clubs including Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan and Chelsea, has also managed in Italy, Argentina and Brazil.
His most recent role was with Al Duhail in Qatar, in which last season Crespo, 48, guided his team to a domestic treble before parting company with the club last month.
In his first interview as Al Ain manager, Crespo spoke to the club’s official channels about his decision to join the Adnoc Pro League side.
Choosing Al Ain over other offers
“Of course, this is our role as a technical staff. Usually when any club makes us an offer to train, it is our responsibility to work on analysing the squad. Compared to the other offers we received, I was surprised that the current list of players at the club is of high quality and can be improved more, so that we can achieve the goals we set.”
Relishing the new challenge
“Embarking on a new experience is always an important challenge for me. Over the course of my career, I have had to adapt to different cultures, whether I am a player or a coach, and I will do my best to adapt to circumstances as quickly as possible.
"The players’ willingness to adapt to circumstances has been wonderful, and I think I will not face any challenges in adapting quickly.
“Some may see the impact of this change on the club as a kind of surprise, but it is a priority for any team aspiring to achieve its goals, right? I love the challenge and I am used to the pressures.
“It is my passion and love that has been motivating, encouraging and attracting me to work over the past few years, as I worked between different countries and cultures to work on successful projects.
"This pursuit is linked to both the responsibility and commitment to work within the scope of a giant and ambitious project such as Al Ain’s project. I am very happy to be part of this giant project.”
Objectives with Al Ain
“Throughout [my coaching] journey, I have always sought highly competitive and challenging projects. Of course, the essence is that we all strive to win championships and titles, but the essential point is to compete until the end.
“I am well aware that promises in the world of football alone are not enough because fulfilling them requires commitment, giving and doubling effort, and all the foundations are fully set up at Al Ain to achieve the goals. We will work to be confident and in good faith to make the fans happy.”
Previous knowledge of Al Ain
“I’ve had the opportunity before to work with the Fifa Club World Cup in the UAE in 2018 when I came to present the trophy in Abu Dhabi. Such a visit left a great impression on me, especially since Al Ain’s performance in that tournament was impressive and wonderful [they finished runners-up to Real Madrid].
“From then, I found myself close to the club and after that, other things happened as I looked at the club’s facilities, which have developed tremendously since 2018. So it was not surprising for me to realise the full real value of this club.”
“Al Ain’s facilities are world class, comparable to European clubs. I truly feel grateful and appreciated for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the team, because belonging to this club is a great honour.”
Preferred style of football
“Personally, I adore Carlo Ancelotti, who means so much to me. He trained me when I came to Europe for the first time [with Parma], and I had the opportunity again when he was the coach of AC Milan. So, I believe in the method he follows, the style he guides his team, and I am experienced with it.
“But, of course, I admire many coaches, and naturally try to have my own style and independent identity. Ultimately, we are not all the same, and everyone has their own leadership style and beliefs about the best method to manage the team technically, which is the most important thing for me.”
Message to his Al Ain players
“For me, the primary priority is the group and the word ‘we’ as a team and as a family. All my choices and assessments are centered around the group and the word ‘we’. Of course, anyone who thinks individually will find that I am persuading them to think for the good of the team as a whole.
“That’s the crux of the matter, and if we need to establish a winning mentality, we’re going to need everyone in the club. This is the point that everyone needs to understand, as some players will have more participation than others. But the key is always to be professional and always show respect in your work. I set some clear rules that are aimed at the good of the team.”
Message to Al Ain fans
“I think that engaging in a season that has already begun is not easy [Al Ain sit third in the league, two points off the top after seven rounds], but we will strive to do our best, and give the team a distinctive identity. And we will make mistakes, which is the nature of football.
“At that time, we need the fans’ support. Our goal is to make the fans happy so that they can finally take wonderful souvenir photos with trophies. That’s the ultimate goal.
"But we need all the elements to come together because we want to have the spirit of an integrated family consisting of several elements, such as the fans, the technical staff, the players, the administration, and the whole city. Thus, we are in great need of the loyal Al Ain fans.”
Schedule:
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Quran memorisation:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
India cancels school-leaving examinations
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
