My Message to the Fans is “Together Stronger” Pedro: We Play All Matches to Win with All Due Respect to All Opponents
The Portuguese head coach of Al Ain FC opened the pre-match press conference of matchweek 15 of the Arabian Gulf League against Al Wasl by pointing out that the team does not have that much space of time to prepare for our match against Al Wasl.
“It is only on this day we will resume our training sessions for our upcoming match against Al Wasl playing ten matches in a row, not losing a single match. I believe that the opponent is an organized team, especially when they lose the ball. However, we will be patient when we have the ball and turn all the chances we will create into goals while focusing on finishing the match with a clean sheet,” the Portuguese coach stated.
Responding to a question that Al Ain will play against Al Wasl in the league and President’s Cup this coming period and that Al Ain outperforms Al Wasl in the league but not in the President’s Cup, he said: “We are Al Ain! We play all our matches with sights are highly set to win with all due respect to all opponents. We only focus on our next match.”
“For me, I do not believe in football statistics as they are no more than numbers and something of the past. We are only focusing on the present.”
He added: “We will prepare for this match well, and our goal is to dominate the match and not be in a rush. We do know what we are meant to do to win the match as of the kickoff whistle until the last minute of the match.”
When asked whether he feels satisfied with the team’s performance following the video that went viral in all social media platforms scoring an exceptional goal against Bunyodkor after accurate 24 tika taka precise passes, he said I am still not fully satisfied. “I learned from football that there is always an opportunity to do the job better.”
“So happy by the goal that the team scored as we did prove that we could do it when we have the ball and, most importantly, is that players feel that they have the ability to score.”
“Observers should notice that when losing the ball, we regain it soon, and it is a reflection of the great efforts exerted by the players and their teammates on the bench during all training sessions,” Pedro said.
As for expected absent players, he stressed that all the medical and coaching teams are working hard to ensure that he is fit to play the match against Al Wasl. “He might play the next match, but I will not take the risk unless he and any other player reached the required level of fitness and readiness to play.”
He concluded his statement by stressing that we have to regain the fans’ trust and show them that we are working hard to make them happy. “I will always say it that “together we are stronger”. I do want to see the fans behind the team and to enjoy the match while all stands of this great stadium are full. Their presence means a lot to the players.”
