Al Ain is a big club, not counting on 11-players only.. Schreuder: “We will not think of the first leg. We need to demonstrate our power against Al Bataeh in the second leg”
The positive momentum of Al Ain’s young players last week was not a surprise for me as I know them very well
We are used to great support from Al Ain loyal fans and we are waiting for them in Hazza Stadium
“We shall continue working and will be training today too. Tomorrow, we will conclude our training program for this match. Also, we are waiting for the return of the international players after end of FIFA break. Then, we will list our squad for Al Bataeh match, surely after ensuring preparedness of all the players”. The Dutch head coach of Al Ain, Alfred Schreuder, confirming that preparations for the second leg against Al Bataeh are quite well.
“In fact, their appearance was not a surprise for me, because there are several distinguished players in the football academy and U-21 squad. All of them confirmed practically they are prepared to play with the first team. Also, I was not surprised as I watch them in the friendly matches and trainings, and I continuously deal with them. There will be matches in October and November and Al Ain is a big club, and will not rely on just 11 players in all the competitions. The next matches will be a good opportunity for the players who played the first leg match. As I told you, we will surely determine preparedness of all the players to decide the squad”, Schroeder said in response to a question about the good appearance of Al Ain young players in the first leg.
In his comment on a question about whether he guarantees qualification after five-nil goals against Al Bataeh in the first leg, Schreuder said “I think winning the first leg is a good step for qualification. But, in football, we shall only think of the next match. Personally, when we are ahead in the first half, I always ask players to play the second half as if the result is negative. So, regardless of the first leg against Al Bataeh, we need to do our best in the second leg.”
In conclusion, Schreuder stated that they are used to huge support from Al Ain’s loyal fans, as we watched in Hattaand Al Bataeh matches, and our home matches. He hopes they will support the team in the day after tomorrow’s match against Al Bataeh because their presence is always wonderful and properly motivates the team to make a positive result.
