Highly trusting Al Ain players
Matar Obeid Al Daheri ‘Al Sahbani’, Al Ain First Team Manager, put it straight that they are intent to win the away semifinal and snatch the qualification for the AFC finals from their rivals of Qatar’s El Jaish though it would not be an easy job to do; “Our players will play confidently, heedfully and know it needs a great deal of power, fortitude and skill if they need to achieve their desired outcome.,” he said.
Recalling that Al Ain was the first Emirati team to win the 2003 AFC title, Al Sahbani urged the players to reproduce the same scenario this Tuesday in order to bring joy to all Emiratis.
Commenting on how they have addressed Al Ain’s current issues of exhaustion resulting from having some of the players to play many games with short intervals, Al Sahbani assured that Al Ain’s ‘international’ players have gained a great experience to overcome similar challenges at the continental competitions; besides, the coach has discussed that issue with them after playing with the UAE National team versus Saudi Arabia. “Hopefully, all players will focus their attention on how to survive Tuesday’s crucial and most important match in this season. If they managed to avoid the serious mistakes and take advantage of the scoring opportunity, they can achieve the desired outcome,” he added.
He respected but did not quite agree with the argument that Al Ain plays better outside their home ground especially in the AFC games; “In fact, Al Ain performed well and outplayed the visiting team of Qatar’s El Jaish during the AFC home semifinal; but if this argument is based on Al Ain’s 2 away matches versus the Iranian Zob Ahan and the Uzbek Lokomotiv in the AFC quarterfinals, then it’s true that Al Ain played excellently; but this is quite common in football; I mean any visiting team deprived of the home advantage will resort to defense and rely on the counterattacks,” he explained.
Asked to deliver a message to Al Ain fans, Al Sahbani confirmed that they are too supportive to be urged by anyone to support their team; he expected that large numbers wearing the purple jerseys will appear there. “I reiterate that these hardcore fans have been and will remain the key secret behind Al Ain’s successes.” He concluded.
