Calderon up for the challenge

Bahrain’s new head coach Gabriel Humberto Calderon has a no-nonsense attitude and one goal in mind - to win!, writes Mai Al Khatib.

The 52-year-old former Argentinean international midfielder replaces Peter Taylor following the experienced trophy-winning English manager’s dismissal after a dismal 2-6 defeat to the UAE in a friendly in Dubai and an equally jaded draw in another friendly against the Philippines at home.

Landing on Friday evening with his entourage which included a goalkeeping coach, a physiotherapist, a fitness trainer and an assistant, Calderon was charged for the challenge ahead.

He has two major back-to-back tournaments to prepare for in the coming weeks and said: 'I know that I have a challenge ahead of me but I’m the kind of person who likes a good challenge and am ready for it.

'I have had nine years of experience working in the Gulf and by the time I am done with this team they will know what it takes to win.

'I am not here to change everything. Yes, an English coach and an Argentinean one are different but the game of football remains the same.

'Soon the players will start to think like me. I have assisted other teams in the Gulf to turn their difficulties and obstacles into victories and I am extremely confident that I can accomplish this here.

'Bahrain, for example, has never qualified for a World Cup Finals. I know it’s difficult to reach the pinnacle of the sport but that will be my motivation and it will soon become that of the players too. I am here to win,' added the coach who took neighbours Saudi Arabia to the World Cup Finals in 2006.

His first challenges in charge of the Nationals, however, will be closer to home. The West Asian Cup will be held between December 8 and 20 in Kuwait and it will be followed by the 21st Gulf Cup in Bahrain which kicks off on January 5.

Bahrain Football Association’s vice-president for technical affairs, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, said: 'We chose Calderon because of his regional and national team experience and I think he is a good choice for us.

'Once the board decided a change was needed we had to act swiftly – I think there is enough time for the coach to prepare and do well in the tournaments. We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next couple of months and will need all the support we can get.'

During his unveiling in a conference staged at the BFA’s office at the National Stadium in Riffa on Sunday, Calderon showed poise and confidence.

Calderon’s first coaching session took place on Sunday evening in Busaiteen. He will be able to put his squad through its paces in a friendly tomorrow against Jordan at home and against Kuwait away on November 14.

He added: 'Right now my aim is to get to know the players. These two friendlies are important to me as it will help me get a better idea of their skills. Players like Hussein Salman and Jaycee John I’m particularly looking forward to working with and I am gunning for the best.

'I will focus on their physical levels as Taylor did while also working on their strategies, skills and sport psychology.'

Taylor was vocal at suggesting his players were not as fit as they should have been and blasted them for not getting the rest required for professional competition.

The new coach says he will stand for no nonsense. He told members of the Press: 'You ask why Bahrain’s players are not as professional as they should be Ö after I’m done with them, they will be!'

He has signed a seven-month contract initially and says he is not here solely for the money but the chance to set Bahrain on winning ways.

The jury is out until the conclusion of the Gulf Cup.