Al-Ain fans really surprised me before signing the contract.. Alfred Schreuder: We analyzed the opponent’s performance well and we hope to get the three points from Hatta match
We tend to offensive style and we don’t suffer from big issues in our defense
The natural result of our match in the first round against Baniyas is 6-2
All teams depend on counter attacks against Al-Ain
Al-Ain Dutch coach, Alfred Schreuder emphasized that his team had a sufficient time for preparation before Hatta match, stating that: “Starting from Thursday, we’ll train tactically on the second round match of ADNOC Pro League as we analyzed the opponent’s performance in their last match against Khorfakkan. Moreover, we watched their match against Shabab Al-Ahli and are well aware that Hatta got several players who did quite well against Khorfakkan and I believe that Al-Ain match is a big challenge for them and for us, it is good opportunity as an away game and will be similar to our match against Baniyas and we’re looking forward to continue in our positive results”.
We are always keen to analyze the opponent’s performance as well as our matches, however, we analyze the opponent with a different eye and, as I said, we analyzed Hatta’s performance against Khorfakkan which is important as I noticed that they persist in achieving their targets and I believe that we will confront a well-organized team which develops continuously, so the match is not easy but we’ve defined targets to win and return with the three points”, he continued.
Replying to a question regarding the required balance between the strong front line and the big problems in the defense that were revealed in the last match against Baniyas, he said: “I don’t think that a big problem but we always try to analyze the performance to enhance our system, particularly the defense. Actually, we conceded two goals in Baniyas match, but one of was a set piece. If you watched the whole chances in the match, you’ll realize that the guests did not created many attacks, but they did quite well and we created many chances and I think the natural result should be 5-2 or 6-2.”
Actually we’re an offensive team, like to go forward, play in spaces in the back and know every opponent wants to play in transition against us depending on the counter attacks. This is quite normal and we realize that we’re required to enhance our defensive performance from game to game.
Replying to a question regarding the possible absences against Hatta, he said: “At the moment, no, but we may miss the midfielder Khalid Al Baloushi who was suffering from a simple injury”.
In his message to Al-Ain fans to support the team against Hatta, he said: “Al-Ain fans support us spontaneously in our games as they surprised me before signing the contract in the final match of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Football Cup as well as in the friendly matches. As I said last week, we are happy because we played at home and got the required support from our fans. On Saturday eve, we will play the first official away match and we expect massive attendance as usual because Al-Ain owns the largest fan base in the country and this enhances our strength greatly”.
