The UAE should concentrate on solving their own systemic failures before “big pro” Alberto Zaccheroni is criticised, according to Whites legend Zuhair Bakhit.

The ex-AC Milan, Juventus and Japan supremo is under intense pressure ahead of hosting January 2019’s Asian Cup after just one of his last eight fixtures was won.

Speaking at a du Football Champions event to promote the launch of both season 4 and du Talents, a Middle East-first sports tech scouting platform, World Cup 1990 squad member Bakhit, 51, insisted blame for these failings lies closer to home.

“People are talking too much about Zaccheroni,” said the ex-Al Wasl striker. “But we are not really professional here [in the UAE], how are we to talk about Zaccheroni?

“He’s Italian, he’s a big pro. You cannot talk about Zaccheroni, we have to talk about our players and our league here – this is the problem.”

The UAE Football Association intend – at this stage – to stand behind Zaccheroni, regardless of results.

Bakhit backed this stance and declared a last-minute salvage job for former coach – and his ex-international team-mate – Mahdi Ali would come far too late.

He said: “No, there is no time for him to come back. He’s my friend, Mahdi Ali, he’s a good coach and also a good man.

“He’s local and the players they like him. Zaccheroni is a big name, with another mentality.

“We have to follow Zaccheroni to reach in front. It is too late [for change].”

duFC, in partnership with La Liga, offers a professional scouting platform to develop the male and female football champions of tomorrow. More than 21,500 players have taken part in its opening three seasons.