Al Arabi’s Brazilian coach Mauro Grasso (right) talks with officials of Al Arabi club during a training session, yesterday. The Asian Club Championship winners are getting ready for the 2012 FIVB Club World Championships which will begin from tomorrow at Aspire Dome. Al Rayyan is the other local club which will compete in the seven-day championships which is contested by eight top clubs in the men’s section and six in the women’s section.
Doha: Qatar’s Al Arabi faces a different challenge than they have in past years at the 2012 FIVB Club World Championships which begins from tomorrow at Aspire Dome.
Al Arabi had automatically qualified for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions by virtue of being the League champions of the host nation. But each time they failed to make a strong impression, being unable to advance past the group stage.
This year, they won the Asian Club Championship in Shanghai, China and earned a berth as continental champions for the seven-day Championships which will end on October 19.
They are determined to make the most of their new position as they fine-tune their preparations for their fourth appearance in the tournament.
“All these years, we were there at the Club Worlds by default. But this time, we’ve earned our berth. We want to prove that we can compete with the best teams in the world,” said Al Arabi team manager Jassim Mohammed Al Kuwari.
European champions Zenit Kazan of Russia, African winners Zamalek of Egypt and Poland’s wildcard entrants PGE Belchatow are the other teams drawn alongside Al Arabi in Group B.
Al Kuwari was candid in admitting that the job is easier said than done.
“I know it’s a tough task,” he said.
“But the Asian title has boosted our confidence. Nobody had given us a chance in China, yet we pulled it off. This time, we’re definitely eyeing a semi-final berth.”
As part of their effort to improve, Al Arabi have recruited Mauro Grasso as coach. The Brazilian brings with him a wealth of experience, having managed teams like Pinheiros in his native country and Puerto Rico’s Mets de Guaynabo.
Tunisian Mawia Alajnaf, the caretaker coach who helped Al Arabi win the Asian title, will assist Grossa. The new coach is optimistic.
“It’s a new challenge for me,” said Grasso.
“I know that miracles don’t happen overnight. The most important thing for me is to find the right chemistry and team composition, which will translate into victories.” The Brazilian showed that he means business with his training regimen at the Al Arabi training hall last week.
“I’m more like an elder brother to the players. I always believe in constantly raising the bar. I want my team to be the best,” he said.
Going by the quality of teams in the fray for the Club Worlds, Al Arabi are far from being favourites. But Grasso has it in him to make them one of the best.
The Peninsula
