Shabab Al Ahli look to extend winning run

Sharjah: The Day Two of the Matchweek 2 will feature three important games wherein Shabab Al Ahli will meet Fujairah, Al Wahda face Al Jazira and Khorfakkan take on Hatta.

Both Hatta and newly-promoted Khorfakkan will look to bounce back after drubbings in the first round at the hands of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Sharjah respectively.

Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli will look to extend their winning streak after beating Hatta in the first round match.

Shabab Al Ahli kept hot the on the heels of  champions Sharjah through out the season last year to finish second, six points behind them in the end.

This year also they have a very promising start to the season with victories both in the Arabian Gulf Cup and Arabian Gulf League. Shabab Al Ahli coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena hopes to put up a winning performance at the home turf.

“It is definitely an important game, especially as it is being played on the team’s home turf. I hope

that the team will perform well and open their first match at Rashid Stadium with a victory that strengthens their position in the league.

“We are working with the technical staff to correct some of the mistakes made by the team in the previous games. We are stressing the need to continue efforts to improve the performance of the team,” said Arruabarrena.

He also played down the talks that the defeat against Fujairah last season will have any bearing on the outcome of this game.

“The victory of Fujairah in the last match between the two teams in the previous season is a thing of past. At that time the circumstances were different.

Commenting on their rivals Fujairah, Rudolfo said: “Fujairah are currently ranked among the strong teams especially after the beginning the season on a winning note.

“I made important adjustments to the line-up as per the requirements of the game. We are focused on the all aspects of the team, specially readiness to face any opponents.”

Finally, the coach stressed that he is always keen to push the most prepared player in the games.

“I look at the team from a players’ perspective before choosing the final line-up that will play the game, according to the needs of the team and the nature of the opponents,” he informed. Federico Cartabia, the star striker, expressed his astonishment with the performances of the players in the team.

“I was surprised by the excellent level of players in Al Ahli. The technical staff often finds it difficult to choose the right playing XI as all the

players are at almost the same level.

“I am there to help my team achieve their goal. I am jelling in with the team and the league gradually. I hope that I can along with my team-mates will be able to succeed in fulfilling the expectations of the of the fans,” concluded Cartabia.

Elsewhere, Al Jazira coach Jurgen Strepple vowed to extend their winning run after three consecutive victories across different formats.

“We are in very good form winning the last three games and we hope we can extend that run on Friday,” said Streppel.

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter