It is just few weeks before the end of my training in sports journalism, and with it being the peak of summer here in the UAE, the focus has been on events off the field.

One of the most interesting things in the Arabian Gulf League has been the news that Mexican coach Javier Aguirre has taken over at Al Wahda, a great move in my opinion for the Abu Dhabi club after last season’s disappointing second half to the season.

I got to see Aguirre’s first public appearance for Wahda when he appeared at a late night news conference, and I was impressed by what I heard.

The former Japan coach seemed confident with his words, and was very articulate, and he would not dismiss any questions and would answer them thoroughly and professionally.

I found him very interesting in the way he conveys his answers, and I think Wahda will be good hands under him, with signings such as Jorge Valdivia and Denilson.

Podcasting was another interesting thing I have done during the week, as it was suggested I should have a try, and it turned out not to be bad as a starter, it was a bit uncomfortable since I had to put my head over a box and talk on a cylinder looking microphone.

It was not easy but I got great feedbacks from the social media where many retweeted me and congratulated me as well as Paul Freeland, who did the podcast with me, and who was very nice to me and talked to me beforehand about the topics we will be discussing during the podcast.

I have to say, that everyday I am learning something, and I hope to grasp on it all in my remaining weeks on sport and in the future months in other sections of The National.

malshamsi@thenational.ae