ATTITUDE PROBLEM

AL WAKRAH coach Jose Mauricio blasted the attitude of his players after they lost 0-1 to promoted side Muaither to find themselves at the bottom of the table.

“Ours is a good side technically, but the players’ mentality needs to improve. I’ve exhausted my energy having explained this to them. I don’t see any change and that’s quite frustrating,” Mauricio told Doha Stadium Plus.

“I don’t know why the players aren’t fighting it out when the chips are down. I dislike defensive strategy. I’m a Latin American who loves attacking football, but surprisingly my players are all in their own half,” said the 46-year-old, who joined Wakrah on a two-year deal last year.

“We’re winless even after five matches. That’s something unacceptable. The team has to improve a lot. The players are training hard, but that isn’t enough. They need to fight it out,” added the Uruguayan. 

In fact, the defeat against Muaither did not go well with Mauricio, who said it was difficult to balance his emotions, particularly without his family around.

Mauricio’s wife and two daughters are living in Uruguay’s capital Montevideo.

“My elder daughter is 21-year-old. She can’t quit her studies and join me. My wife has to guide them back home in Montevideo. I’m fighting my emotions day in and day out,” he said. 

“I thank the club for the care and affection. I’m happy with the money I earn, but it’s not everything. I’ve the best of facilities, but at the end of the day it’s the team’s performance that’s most important. For a professional, when results don’t come, it’s very difficult to motivate,” said Mauricio.

Wakrah had also lost to El Jaish, Al Kharaitiyat and Lekhwiya, with their 1-1 draw against Al Ahli fetching them their only point. 

“I’m trying my best to motivate the team, explaining them the beauty of playing attacking football. I hope they learn fast and quickly,” said Mauricio.