Sport | Football
Al Nasr lose after six dropped for off-field problems
Al Nasr coach Luka Bonacic dropping more than six senior players for their opening fixture after they played in a Ramadan tournament.
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:52 September 20, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- The senior players in the team did not play up to their level and we kicked out at least six players who are good, but not disciplined, says Luka Bonacic, Al Nasr coach.
Dubai: Al Nasr coach Luka Bonacic dropping more than six senior players for their opening fixture after they played in a Ramadan tournament.
The team were beaten 4-2 at home by Al Ahli and Bonacic praised his team for their effort.
But he attacked those left out for not being 'disciplined' after they were dropped at the last minute for playing for the Army in a Ramadan tournament.
He said: "The senior players in the team did not play up to their level and we kicked out at least six players who are good, but not disciplined.
"And now they will blame the coach for this defeat."
The transfer window has now closed meaning new players cannot be signed but the Croatian coach revealed he was not happy with his squad.
He said: "No, the entire team is not what I would have liked.
"They are there because of the club management. Give me the material to work with and I will build the team."
Al Nasr went a goal behind but rallied, particularly because of the enthusiasm and hard work of former UAE skipper Mohammad Omar.
Half-time lead
He backed two goals to give the home side a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
But Al Ahli came right back in the second half to and left with all three points after winning 4-2.
Bonacic said: "I think we gave a good early account of ourselves.
"But the sending off of Amar (Mubarak) made a huge difference and we could not contain them. The penalty destroyed us."
The Al Nasr coach predicted Al Ahli would have a good season and would pose most teams in the UFL "severe problems".
He said: "Al Ahli was simply the better team tonight.
"They have so much quality that any of the other teams are going to have severe problems with them."
The Croatian coach started off with only two of the three Iranians at his disposal - Redha Enayati was suspended after picking up a three-match ban while with Emirates Club last season.
"Redha would have been crucial due to his experience," said Bonacic.
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