Al Jazira captain Khaseif hails impact of summer camp
- 10 Aug 2019
Al Jazira have arrived home from their successful pre-season training camp in the Netherlands with preparations set to continue for the new upcoming season in Abu Dhabi.
The squad landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday morning following their three-week training camp in Wageningen and Oosterbeek where the players were put through their paces under new head coach Jurgen Streppel.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi also played four friendlies, winning all their encounters against the local Dutch sides while the tour also saw new signings Keno and Sultan Al Ghaferi join up with their new team-mates.
Among the players who travelled to Europe was Al Jazira captain Ali Khaseif and the goalkeeper believes the camp was an important and positive experience that has sharpened up the squad ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
Khaseif said: “I would like to thank the Al Jazira Football Company management for their support in ensuring we had the best possible preparation for the season ahead with a successful training camp in the Netherlands.
“We trained together as one team and throughout the camp, we got sharper with every session by stepping up our fitness and improving our technical abilities.
“Every member of the squad showed commitment and we understood the playing style that Jurgen Streppel wants to implement. Jurgen is vastly experienced and has strong knowledge of the game and the camp provided an excellent opportunity for all the players including our promising academy players to showcase their talent.”
He added: “With the mind-set there, we will continue working extensively - both physically and mentally in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are in the best possible shape when the new season kicks off.
“Our fans will be crucial throughout the new season. They are the team’s backbone and together with their support, we can help Al Jazira be successful.”
The pre-season camp also provided an opportunity for Streppel to assess his squad and implement his tactical strategies.
Streppel said: “There are many positives to take from the summer training camp in the Netherlands. All the players showed determination and willingness to learn and we all share the same vision in wanting to help Al Jazira be a competitive side.
“There is a wide array of talent within the squad and now it is important to build on what we have learnt in the camp and put it into practice when we continue training in Abu Dhabi for the new season.”
The first-team will resume their training in Abu Dhabi on Aug.15 ahead of their first match of the season on Aug.22 against Khor Fakkan in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Streppel’s side will also face Oman’s Al-Nasr Salalah in the Arab Club Championship on September 14 before opening their Arabian Gulf League campaign at home to Al Dhafra five days later.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdulrahman and Amer Abdulrahman joined their new team-mates after tehir move to Al Jazira.
Al Jazira completed the signings of UAE international stars Omar and Amer on Thursday to bolster their sqaud ahead of the new season. The duo have moved to The Pride of Abu Dhabi on a free transfer.
Omar, 27, who has 71 international caps, is a prolific attacking forward with his eye for goal and creativity seeing him named as the Asian Player of the Year in 2016. The move marks a return to UAE football after his contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal ended and will boost Al Jazira’s attacking options this season.
Amer arrives at Al Jazira, having featured for Al Ain and Baniyas. The 30-year-old centre-midfielder, who made 76 appearances for the UAE will bring plenty of experience to the squad having played more than 150 matches in all competitions in the UAE.
Speaking on the new signings, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, board member of the Club and chairman of Al Jazira Football Company, said: “Thanks to Allah for helping us to finalise these important signings. They are another example of the big ambitions of this club and I am grateful to the higher management of Al Jazira FC for their continuous support and wise leadership. “We wish Omar and Amer a fantastic season ahead. Best of luck to them and their team-mates as we go in search of success on the pitch.”
