Al Shabab hope quartet can inspire turnaround

Dubai: Coach Marcos Paqueta is hoping the return of four suspended players will inspire Al Shabab in their return leg against Esteghlal of Iran in the AFC Champions League round of 16 in Tehran on Wednesday night (8.50pm UAE).

Al Shabab had to play at home last week without four of their main players — Walid Abbas, Hassan Ebrahim, Mahmoud Qasim and Mohammad Marzouqi — all out with one-match suspensions after racking up yellow cards. The Dubai club subsequently lost the match 4-2.

“So having these four back in the team is going to be crucial for us. They have the talent and huge experience that can benefit us against a tough team like Esteghlal,” Paqueta told media before Al Shabab’s departure to Tehran late on Monday.

“There is nothing impossible on the football field or in life. We have to win at least 3-0 against Esteghlal, and we are realistic enough to realise we have a tough task on our hands. But we can achieve this objective,” the Brazilian said.

The coach is also banking heavily on his team’s experience following their 2-1 win against Pakhtakor in Uzbekistan last month, which meant they became the only UAE team to qualify for the knockout stages of the continental competition.

“We’ve gained a lot of experience following that win against Pakhtakor and the confidence that the players have got from that has been huge,” he said.

Paqueta has another problem on his hands — Al Shabab will have to play three important matches, including tonight’s encounter in Tehran, in the next seven days.

Al Shabab will also host Al Shaab in the final round of the UAE Etisalat Pro-League on Saturday and, three days later, travel to Abu Dhabi for their President’s Cup final against neighbours Al Ahli.

Al Shabab are currently fifth in the league standings, meaning they will have to beat Al Shaab and hope Bani Yas slip up against Al Wasl if they are to finish fourth and claim a place in next season’s AFC Champions League qualifying round.

“It’s not going to be easy for us at any of these three matches. Al Shaab will be fighting for survival to keep their place in the top flight of the league, while the final against Al Ahli is not going to be easy as we want to win the President’s Cup at all cost,” Paqueta said.

“This team of players is ready for the challenges ahead — not just for the AFC Champions League fixture in Iran, but in the next two matches here.”