Streppel wants Al Jazira to show strong work ethic

Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira head coach Jurgen Streppel wants his players to work hard and show fighting spirit in every match this season ahead of his side’s Arabian Gulf Cup clash against Khor Fakkan.

Al Jazira open their 2019-2020 campaign on Thursday by hosting the newly-promoted Arabian Gulf League club at Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium with the Pride of Abu Dhabi looking to get off to a winning start.

Streppel has had plenty of time to assess his squad since his appointment last month after working with his players during their pre-season camp in the Netherlands and training sessions in Abu Dhabi.

The Dutchman is impressed with the quality he has and expects to see his players give 100 per cent against Khor Fakkan.

“I want to see my players battle every minute of the match to achieve the best possible result,” said Streppel during his pre-match press conference.

“I know it’s not possible to always play attacking and attractive football but it is important that all the players work together and give their best right until the last minute.

“We have excellent players but individual players cannot win anything alone.

“It is a team game and it will require everyone to work hard to win games.”

Al Jazira have strengthened their squad this summer with the arrival of six new players. UAE stars Omar Abdulrahman, Amer Abdulrahman, experienced midfielder Sultan Al Ghaferi, Moroccan forward Mourad Batna, Brazilian attacker Keno and Serbian defender Milos Kosanovic are the new additions to the squad.

Streppel did not reveal whether the new recruits would feature on Thursday but insists he will field a strong team that combines youth and experience.

“The competition states three young players have to play and then we will see which players are ready.

“We have three games to play in the next three weeks and the international players will also be missing for some games so it’s a chance to make good use of the squad and choosing the right players for all positions,” he said.

Club captain Ali Khaseif insists the whole team is raring to go. “We have had excellent preparation and we will go into the opening match of the competition aiming to give our best. We want to do well in all the competitions that we play,” said the goalkeeper.

“For now, we are fully focused on Khor Fakkan and trying to win. We are not thinking about any other team.”