Arruabarrena vows to compete for silverware

Dubai - The Argentine, who replaced compatriot Gabriel Calderon, arrived in Dubai last week to take charge of Al Wasl

New Al Wasl manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena has vowed to help the club return to winning ways.
The Argentine, who replaced compatriot Gabriel Calderon, arrived in Dubai last week to take charge of The Cheetahs and the 40-year-old said that the objective was clear - compete for silverware.
"Since I arrived, I have worked with my coaching staff to organise and make arrangements for the camp. We are now waiting for all the players on Sunday to begin our preparations for the new season. Our objective is clear, to become one of the strongest teams and to compete for silverware," Arruabarrena said in a club statement.
"From Sunday, all the players and coaching staff will get together and come to get to know each other. And I hope to see a good unity between the players, coaching staff and the fans. We will all work for Al Wasl with the goal of winning the Arabian Gulf League and other competitions," added the Buenos Aires native, who joined from legendary Argentine club Boca Juniors.
Meanwhile, midfielder Humaid Abdulla Abbas, who ended his three-year spell with Arabian Gulf League Al Ahli, to join Al Wasl, was eagerly looking forward to the new challenge.
"I'm ready for the new challenge with The Emperor. I hope I can repay the faith the club has put in me and I hope we will achieve our aspirations. I'm really looking forward to the new season with Al Wasl," said the 28-year-old, who began his career with Al Nasr.
Meanwhile, The Cheetahs will begin preparations for the new season from Sunday. The club has decided to divide the preparations into three phases. The players will assemble for the pre-season medical examinations on Sunday after which they will continue training until July 24.
The squad will then embark on a pre-season training camp to Nuremberg, about 170km north of Munich, Germany, from July 25 to August 18. The club will be involved in a number of friendlies with German clubs.
The squad will then return to Dubai and undergo a final training camp prior to their opening fixture of the season. The Cheetahs play host to Al Sharjah in the Arabian Gulf Cup at the Zabeel Stadium in September.
Al Wasl finished sixth in the Arabian Gulf League last season.
james@khaleejtimes.com