Mahdi Ali is a coach whose reputation is as much staked on loyalty as it is the impressive results he has gained throughout his international career.

– UAE coach Mahdi Ali to explore his options for crunch Gulf Cup game
– Saudi Arabia finally take off with win over Bahrain

A generation of players have risen with him through the youth ranks of the UAE, on to global recognition at the London 2012 Olympics and glory at the 2013 Gulf Cup.

But as with most paternal relationships, there comes a point when the bonds have to be broken. Winds of change are afoot in the Whites camp following the goalless Group B opener against Oman.

The uninspired performance was simply not acceptable for a team graced by several of the Arabian Gulf’s finest talents.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference before tonight’s clash with Kuwait, Ali shook up his squad with a public vow to re-shape his starting line-up.

Such words are out of character for a man who rarely deviates from the norm. Inaction now, however, would lead to an embarrassing group-stage exit in Riyadh.

It is not like they haven’t been warned. Four bore draws, a thumping defeat to Uzbekistan and narrow win against Lebanon had been registered in the build-up.

Once the competitive action began against the Red Warriors, the tempo never lifted above ponderous.

Centre midfielders Amer Abdulrahman and Khamis Esmail were unable to keep their foot on the ball and dictate the agenda.

Too many wayward long balls, the easiest option open to players temporarily devoid of imagination, were punted up the park. That their targets were front men Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil saw the fault lines grow.

Unable to feed off each other, runners from deep are required to ensure possession isn’t lost every time in the final third. Instead, Amer Abdulrahman and Esmail remained rooted in midfield, cement blocks on their feet.

The blame doesn’t travel as far as the wingers. Omar Abdulrahman put in an impressive shift considering it was his first competitive match since September 30, while Ismail Al Hammadi twice inspired phenomenal saves from Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

Second-half substitutes Habib Fardan and Ismail Matar saw a late improvement at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

The latter’s integration is academic, the only issue being whether he is fit enough to start following a lengthy knee injury. Fardan’s potential integration seems harder to pinpoint.

The 24-year-old has struggled to find his feet since switching to Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli this summer.

Despite earning a reputation as a centre midfielder of true promise at Al Nasr, he has often been shunted to left midfield by club and country.

A victim of his own versatility. Personnel changes are guaranteed, although a much-needed switch in formation is less certain. Ali is welded to the idea of using two strikers.

This is where Matar could provide the ideal solution. With more than 100 caps, his game intelligence is unrivalled.

The Al Wahda man could fill the huge chasm between midfield and attack, his potential interchanges with Omar Abdulrahman mouth-watering. Whatever way he chooses to go, envious resources are available to Ali. Now has come the time to use them.