United club president, Moldovan Elie Sabiano, confirmed that the club has actually begun preparing to play its first season in the professional league, after the historic achievement of rising from the first division, indicating that work is underway at various levels to ensure that the team emerges in a competitive manner that keeps pace with the club’s ambitions, and not to be relegated to the “amateur” league.
United had reserved their ticket to the professional league after occupying second place in the first division, with 58 points, behind Hatta, who won the title, achieving a historic achievement as the first private club to ascend to the professional league.
Artistic addition
Sabiano revealed to Emirates Al-Youm that the Italian legend, Andrea Pirlo, will continue to lead the team next season, stressing that the Italian coach has made a great technical addition since taking over the job, and that the relationship between the two parties is based on a common vision, to continue building on the successes achieved during the past season.
He explained that preparations for the new season began early, as the team will hold an external camp in Latvia aimed at raising physical readiness, enhancing harmony between players, and preparing in the best way for the upcoming matches, noting that the club has been planning for a long time for the stage of participation in the professional league, in cooperation with partners and supporters.
Best conditions
He added that the club management is working in coordination with the competent authorities in Dubai, to complete all requirements for the new season, ensuring the best conditions for the team, stressing that United intends to continue playing its matches in Dubai, while providing facilities and equipment that are compatible with the requirements of the professional league.
Sabiano stressed that success in the professional league is not only related to the technical aspects, but also requires building a strong and sustainable fan base, stressing that Dubai has great potential in this aspect, and that the club is working to consolidate its identity and strengthen its connection with the local community, families and young fans during the coming years.
Great confidence
Regarding the team’s ability to compete with professional league clubs, he said: “The positive results achieved by United against Sharjah and Al Wahda, in addition to the strong performance against Al Ain, despite the loss in the cup competition, gave the players and management great confidence in their ability to compete against the major teams, but at the same time, it showed the magnitude of the challenges that await us in the next stage.”
The United club president confirmed that the administration had conducted a comprehensive study of the challenges facing clubs emerging from the First Division, foremost of which is the phenomenon of a rapid return to relegation, indicating that the club has a clear vision to avoid this scenario, through careful planning and thoughtful contracts, and achieving sustainable growth that guarantees stability in the long term, and not just staying for one season in the professional league.
Pirlo calm down
Sabiano concluded his speech by saying: “The team proved its character during the last season. It is true that some of the results in the last meters of the competition were disappointing, but they did not affect the promotion process. Andrea Pirlo dealt with that stage with great calm, and maintained the focus of the players, especially after the loss to Hatta, while the team showed a strong reaction on the mental and physical levels, which contributed to continuing the path towards achieving the dream of promotion.”
