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Dubai: Al Ahli players have been told that none of them can take their place for granted ahead of the start of the UAE's first professional league.
The team's coach Ivan Hasek told Gulf News he wanted two or three players competing for every position after the side returned from a European training camp.
"I doubt any of the players can take their position in the team for granted this season," said Hasek.
"We have a squad of 32 players including the goalkeepers and ideally I would love to see two or three players fighting for a place in the main team," the coach added.
Much of the emphasis for Al Ahli's players during pre-season has been on competition for places.
"They all know the need to work seriously as this is the first season for us as a professional outfit.
"But what is even more important for us is to see the long-term strategy and have at least two to three players ready to fit themselves into a particular role for the team," he added.
President's Cup winners Al Ahli take on league champions Al Shabab in the Super Cup - the traditional season-opener, which will be played at the Al Nasr Club's Maktoum Stadium on September 14.
Hasek has been an integral part of the Al Ahli success story through the second half of the season last year.
Poor team
He took over a struggling side from Tunisian Yousuf Al Zawawi and managed to take the President's Cup.
Al Ahli was on course for a rare double as they chased the league title.
But some untimely draws towards the end of the season saw them blow their chance as they slipped to third position in the standings behind champions Al Shabab and runners-up Al Jazira.
"I have my mind set on what I want to achieve with these players," said Hasek.
"At this moment I want to pick and choose the best that I have at my disposal. I will certainly not go by names.
"The only name that will count for me is who is willing to put his hand up and deliver on behalf of the team," said the coach.
Al Ahli spent two weeks at a training camp in Austria and played two friendly matches in London.
But Hasek said the most important part of their preparations would be the Super Cup match.
"We want to take off on a winning note," said the coach.
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