Former UAE national team goalkeeper and current player for Al-Hamria, Majid Nasser, stated that the national football team is on the right path towards a promising future following the appointment of Romanian coach Olaru Cosmin. He highlighted the positive results and the progressively improving performance demonstrated by the team during the Arab Cup in Qatar, where 'Al-Abyad' (the team's nickname) reached the semi-finals before losing to Morocco. Nasser expressed his satisfaction with these results, noting that they reflect the soundness of the football federation's strategy in building the national team. He expressed hope that the team, with its new identity, will achieve the best possible results in the upcoming Gulf Cup and Asian Cup.
Nasser pointed out that the naturalization of talented young players will bring numerous benefits to the national team, ensuring their long-term presence in various national teams and eventually the senior squad. He believes this will increase the number of international matches the players participate in, granting them more experience. Nasser also asserted that naturalization will not negatively affect the local player, and could instead serve as a motivation for their development. He mentioned that this approach has become common practice in many countries around the world, and that failing to qualify for the World Cup is not a problem but rather a new starting point for building a team capable of excellence in the future.
Majid Nasser described the national team and Al-Ahli goalkeeper, Hamad Al-Maqbali, as the 'champion of goalkeepers' at the moment, considering him a promising project for the national team for the next ten years, despite his young age (22 years). He praised his courage, discipline, and consistency, as well as the vast experience he seems to possess, as if he has played over 200 international matches. Naser mentioned his decisive saves, especially in the final moments against Algeria, which kept the team's hopes alive in the tournament, along with his brilliant performance in the penalty shootout.
Nasser urged the national team's technical staff to monitor the level of Al-Qalba's goalkeeper, Sultan Al-Mandari, who possesses high technical qualities that qualify him to be part of the national team alongside Hamad Al-Maqbali and other goalkeepers. He called for evaluating players based on their technical levels, not their team's league standing. He also praised the emirate of Fujairah, describing it as a source of goalkeeping talent in the state due to its significant role in discovery and development. Naser pointed out that the major clubs and the national team have benefited the most from goalkeepers coming from Fujairah.
In conclusion, Nasser emphasized the importance of the public's support for the national team and refraining from pressuring the players and technical staff. He stressed that patience and support will lead 'Al-Abyad' to reach the farthest possible point.
