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Hernán Crespo: We are ready to take on the “derby” match and we are required to restore our physical balance
I am waiting for the return of Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba to the team’s starting lineup and there are no conflicts in the Ainawi family.
Hernán Crespo, the Argentine manager of Al-Ain, emphasized, during the introductory press conference for his team’s match vs Al Wahda, on the importance of claiming victory on the day after tomorrow’s match, asserting: “Our concentration is now focused on restoring our physical balance after the matches we have played during the past stage of competition. We are ready to take on the “derby” match, which is 72 hours away from the team’s most recent match, to recover.”
Commenting on the question about the defensive issues that his team suffered during their previous matches, he said: “I agree with you over some matters that require some improvement on the defensive side, but I prefer to say that we have a team that is divided into two parts, the defensive and the offensive sides of football because the playing ecosystem is one and the roles are clear for every member in the team on both sides. Reality confirms that we are performing very well but we are required to improve our performance by rearrangement our lines and by correction of mistakes, so we can strike the required balance on the pitch I will not be seeking excuses, but reality confirms that we are facing a challenge that is connected with the calendar, so when we find space our players join their national football teams, while when our team returns to the official tournaments, we find ourselves taking on pressured matches, but we are required to improve our performance.”
In response to a question about the media reports which indicated that there is a conflict between him and the team’s forward player Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, he said: “In the beginning, I would like to confirm one fact to you, which is that there are no conflicts at all in the team’s ranks, while personally, I am very proud and happy to see Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba on the team’s lineup, and since he played for 40 minutes vs Qatari Al Saad, afterward, he could not complete a training session up until now due to his injury. I am waiting for the player to complete his state of readiness up to 100% because my team needs him to be present on the team’s starting lineup.”
Hernán Crespo concluded his speech with a message to the fans of Al Ain football club, by saying: “You have made a difference at all matches and we have to bolster our confidence in our capabilities, while everyone does not want to sustain defeat but in the realm of football all results are possible at all tournaments and our players are up to the required state of readiness to take on the “derby” match, we also have the opportunity to reduce the gap that is present between us and the top position by claiming the match’s three points with all due respect for the ambitions for the competing team.”
