Flores confident of Al Ahli fightback

The Spanish boss, 46, was officially unveiled to the gathered media at the club's Rashed Stadium on Thursday afternoon as the successor to Czech Ivan Hasek, who was sacked after only 11 games at the helm.

Flores has a fine European pedigree after managerial spells at Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Getafe and Valencia, although this appointment represents his first-ever footballing stint outside of his homeland.

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He is nonetheless confident of making a sterling success of this opportunity here in the UAE, if everyone at the club relentlessly strives in their search for silverware.

“This happens all over the world,” Flores replied when asked if Hasek's surprisingly swift dismissal had put instantaneous pressure on his shoulders.

“The most important thing is results and the future. For that, it's important that everyone is working hard within the club – the staff and the players.

“My first task is to try and introduce a European ideology into the club and that this mentality enters the minds of the players as soon as possible – football is an international language.

“The main challenge will be the habits of the players. But, I'm sure our team shall improve in time and will understand my tactics and way of thinking.

“The most important thing is to win as many matches as possible and, with that, comes the possibility of winning the league. “We are only four matches into the current season, so we have time to improve and raise our quality.”

Flores conceded that compatriots that have followed his career in the dugout to date may be somewhat mystified by his decision to manage a club here.

But, he is now looking forward to fresh challenges both on and off the pitch after making an “easy decision.”

“I'm sure the Spanish public will find this decision very strange – I'm the first Spanish coach in this league, so it's different for them,” he explained.

“But, they know me well and how I feel about football. This is not only a different work experience, but a life experience.

“It's a great place, a great city and a historic team. Why not? It's a good situation and an easy decision.

“I don't know Arab football, but we have experienced experts inside the club and I'm sure, in time, I'll know all I need to.”

Meanwhile, Flores refuted the suggestion that he is capable of having regular run-ins with his players following a fall-out with Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan at Atletico.

“Sometimes in life when working with another person, you find this kind of situation,” he added. “But, it is not a normal situation and I prefer no repeat; I prefer to pass the page.”

Ahli's technical advisor Fabio Cannavaro commented: “I would like to thank Ivan (Hasek) for the work that he did for the months that he was here.

“It's a very important day as we've been able to bring in a high-level coach and everybody knows his history.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com