When Al Jazira's Henk ten Cate blew his hairdryer

Abu Dhabi - The media presence, on expected lines, was in double digit

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here, Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate didn't really repeat William Shakespeare's lines but that is exactly what he meant while targeting the media during a Press conference ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup semis against Al Ahli on Monday.
The media presence, on expected lines, was in double digit. There were two reasons for this - one was the star of AFC Champions League Leonardo Rodrigues was set to be unveiled as the new signing and more importantly, this was the first time Ten Cate was facing Abu Dhabi journalists after the shocking 6-nil wallop League toppers got from Al Wahda in the President's Cup knockout quarters match. The holders were shamed by the neighbours in Dubai. And media had put to pen their unkindest cut.
It was time for payback.
The conference started with routine update from the coach on the next match.
He slowly shifted gears and started his passionate rant.
"One year ago, I was sitting here with two journalists. Then we were number 13 in the League (standings). If you look at how many points we made from January until now, I think we are the best team in the country. We lost one game. big. They (Al Wahda) overpowered and outplayed us. But this is football, this happens. One game cannot take away one year's work of these players, who have done an enormous job."
Taking a dig at the big media presence, he asked: "Why didn't you come in numbers when we won. One defeat and everybody come like lions to kill the prey. Well this prey is very much alive and we will show this to everybody. Hopefully, when we win a game, I can see as many people as I see now, not just one or two. This team deserve your positive attention."
The message was loud and clear: Don't turn up only when there're 'negative' results but come for 'positive' results too.
"Those players work hard and fight for a good result and fight for this Cup. There's not a team in this League starting with so many young players like we have. The club asked me to help build a new team. During the reconstruction, you have some good and bad moments. We had a very bad moment against Al Wahda. These players deserve much more than all that has been written after losing one game (against Al Wahda)," he said referring to the media tirade after the Derby loss.
"We know what we are doing. We are going on a steady way and trying to build this as a strong team. We use our academy and not afraid to put young players in."
Then he landed a final punch, the KO. "My players want to show you something (on Monday). Regardless of the result, they are going to show you something," he told the media.
It's show time at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Monday evening.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com