Al Nasr ready to fight for second straight Arabian Gulf Cup title, says coach Diaz

Al Nasr will be looking to claim their third Arabian Gulf Cup title when they take on Shabab Al Ahli in the final at Sharjah Stadium on Friday.

The Argentine coach confirmed his side’s readiness for the match, saying they’ll be looking to put in a good performance in the final.

“Reaching the final wasn’t an easy task but we made it thanks to the players’ efforts,” he said during a press conference held on Wednesday at the Etihad Museum in Dubai as part of the UAE Pro League’s Year of the 50th Cup Final initiative.

“We identified Shabab Al Ahli’s strengths and weaknesses and we are confident we can win the title,” Diaz explained, saying they are looking forward to putting in a good game along with their opponents Shabab Al Ahli.

“Nothing is impossible in football, we will work hard and we will do everything we have to win the championship, and I think the match is equal between the two teams, and who will be more focused and less mistake-making will win the title.

If Al Nasr win, this will be the second title in a row for them. It’s a new challenge and we are ready for it. We hope that we will be successful in winning the title and delighting the fans,” he added.

Al Nasr player Mahmoud Khamis expects a tough game against Shabab Al Ahli.

“We will do our best and fight for the title. We are up against a strong team and we are expecting a balanced matchup against Shabab Al Ahli,” the 33-year-old said.

“It’s the small details that make all the difference,” Khamis said, ahead of the match which will see Al Nasr eye their third Arabian Gulf Cup title overall and the second in a row.

“It is more difficult to stay on top than to get there and we are ready to retain the title,” he added.

The Shabab Al Ahli coach Mahdi Ali confirmed that his team will give their all in the final match. He stressed that being in the final shouldn’t be considered an achievement and that winning the title is what counts.

Ali believes that it will be a tough match, as is the case with all finals. According to the Shabab Al Ahli coach, both sides have an equal chance of winning the title, saying it will all come down to concentration and focus during the game.

Shabab Al Ahli are vying for their second accolade in 2021 after sealing the Arabian Gulf Super Cup title against Sharjah.

“We will seek to replicate our [Arabian Gulf Super Cup] performance against Al Nasr,” Ali said.

“We had a full week to prepare for the match and we look to maintain our good performance when we face Al Nasr,” he added.

Majid Nasser will join the team-mates in the final after missing the match against Al Dhafra due to suspension.

Shabab Al Ahli defender Hamdan Al Kamali confirmed his side’s readiness for the final.

The 31-year-old thanked his team-mates for their great efforts in the current Arabian Gulf League campaign and for making it to the Arabian Gulf Cup final.

Kamali said that they have full respect for Al Nasr, he stressed that they are prepared for the game and focused on winning the title.