Dubai United has thrown its full support behind the head coach Andrea Pirlo, amid the storm of Italian media speculation over the Italian national team coaching vacancy. Pirlo, who is a 2006 World Cup winner and one of the most iconic midfielders of his generation, came to the club in July of last year with a unique footballing vision and a coaching experience from the clubs of Europe (as well as from the ones in Italy) including Juventus and Sampdoria.
The club responded to the media speculation on social media, putting out a firm statement. The club president Ilie Cebanu, the management team, coaching staff and players united behind the Italian tactician, the club said. Dubai United emphasized that Pirlo is fully committed to the club, and the club is fully ready to support him as he goes through a monumental moment.
As the club goes into its first ADNOC Pro League campaign, the leaders are determined that their eyes are firmly on team preparation and performance. Dubai United will begin their league campaign against Al Wasl on 15 August and the management has invited all the fans from all over Dubai to come into the stadium and support this new chapter of the club.
Pirlo is also at the center of controversy because he was suddenly cut out of the race for the Italian national team when he quit in the middle of the race to lead that team. He was one of the most likely candidates to boost the Azzurri's fortunes after a third consecutive World Cup failure last season when the team failed to qualify for the tournament and the team was left in a deep depression.
Pirlo was in tears and very bitter when he was told he was no longer selected for the job. He grieved with Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini, his former AC Milan teammate, and advisor Leonardo for their confidence and esteem. Pirlo felt his decision based on sport was made purely on sporting criteria but quickly became a public controversy and the ideas and intentions attributed to him were far from who he is, and who he really wanted to be as well as what he wants to do all to be proved wrong. Pirlo’s future remains in the United Arab Emirates and he is going to lead Dubai United into their first Pro League season.
