Former Real Madrid person Michel Salgado to include Spanish twist to UAE soccer - The National

]DUBAI // Michel Salgado believes football in the UAE are at a vital point, after the national team's victory in the Gulf Cup, and the former Real Madrid and Spain stalwart is eager to perform his part in taking the overall game forward. Winner of two Uefa Champions League medals with Real and four group games, the former right-back has been visiting Dubai's Pro League groups in recent days to fairly share his experience of top-flight baseball with the experts here. In the coming days, he will get busy imparting "Spanish football values" and helping young ones "realise their potential" as director of football at the Dubai Sports City (DSC) Football Academy. Salgado, who won 53 lids for Spain and used a decade at Real alongside Galacticos like Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, can manage DSC's shows for children below the age of 16 at their state-of-the-art center, which include a full-sized indoor pitch in addition to full-sized outdoor grass and artificial pitches, all with the possibility of floodlights. Salgado, 37, has been residing in Dubai for days gone by seven months and is worked up about his new work. He hopes he might help change "mentalities" here. Different games were watched by "i, like the national team," Salgado said. "I believe the final Gulf Cup might be a turning point for football in this region. The national staff are succeeding and now they're an example for the rest for the youngsters that are coming through. "So this can be a excellent period, not merely for the UAE but for the Center East because the World Cup is going to be held in Qatar in a decade. "It is a good time for football in the UAE and i'd like to be engaged in the football here, to bring my experience to the UAE and make an effort to do something really good for the future. "I know the Emirati people; they enjoy basketball. I know that from years ago. My first time here was in 2003 and from that time, I noticed people here love football. "But they got a problem. They want to watch Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man United, Spain and France, in the place of seeing their own groups and their own players. "We just need to change that attitude. I think they have to open their eyes and try to assist their local and national football a little bit more." Salgado will do his bit to improve that attitude through his work at DSC, where he'll be protected by head coach Inaki Beni, a of Real Madrid senior squads since 2004, and elderly instructors Carlos Garcia, Pablo Coira and Adam Griffiths. Salim Modakkar, Ali Wells, Ross McKenzie and Allie Kader are also area of the training lineup. "To secure the services of someone of Salgado's standing within the game is really a important and significant signing for Dubai Sports City," said Khalid Al Zarooni, leader of Dubai Sports City. arizvi@thenational.ae Follow us @SprtNationalUAE

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