The Sky Blues have just one point from four league games and lie in 12th. In fact they have only two points from eight games in all competitions, which led to the dismissal of Uruguayan Pablo Repetto immediately following their 3-2 defeat to newly promoted Hatta on Saturday.
Gomes, a former assistant coach at giants Porto in his homeland, claims he has “full confidence” in his players ahead of Thursday’s Abu Dhabi derby with Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
“We have great players and they have high potential and capabilities and are ready to developto give a better image of themselves than the current ones,” said Gomes ahead of the game. “They will do their best to get a positive result.”
It is a tough task ahead to turn a shambolic start around for the 46-year-old, but he is prepared.
“There is nothing easy in football, it is a game which is a challenge and I like challenges and I am ready to give my best to prove my worth to Bani Yas,” he said.
“I believe in the project of Bani Yas that has been developed by the management and it is this reason I agreed to become the club’s new coach.”
Henk ten Cate, meanwhile, can identify with today’s opponents and their new coach.
He took over the reins at Jazira last December with the club in disarray following the misguided reappointment of club legend Abel Braga last summer.
Slowly, however, the Dutchman steadied the ship and the Pride of Abu Dhabi have begun the new season in fine form.
They sit second following three wins and a draw, although the former Ajax coach is wary of their capital city neighbours.
“It will be a tough game against bani Yas, I think the coaching change will double the incentives for players who will want to present themselves in the best possible light to the new coach,” said the 61-year-old.
“They will be seeking their first victory in the league, and all of these factors will make it a difficult match.
“On the other hand we feel very confident at the moment and we have a set of players in good physical condition, we have no absences due to injury or suspension, and we look forward to this encounter with confidence and optimism.”