Sport | Football

Hasek cautious on home stretch

Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek is holding his cards close to his chest as he chalks out his strategy for this weekend's key match against defending champions Al Wasl.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:45 May 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
  • Al Ahli and Al Wasl in action during the President Cup at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai: Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek is holding his cards close to his chest as he chalks out his strategy for this weekend's key match against defending champions Al Wasl.

Al Ahli take on Al Wasl on home ground, while Al Wahda host Al Shaab in delayed matches of week 15 of the etisalat UAE National Football League on Friday.

Al Ahli have been riding high after their success in the President's Cup against defending champions Al Wasl.

Last week, Al Ahli snubbed Sharjah 3-1 at home while Al Wahda took their first step in avoiding relegation with a 2-1 win against Al Jazira on Monday.

Al Ahli are currently in second place - though tied on 32 points with Al Jazira and Sharjah.

"We are in a perfect position to go all out for the league title," Hasek said.

"But we have to keep our focus and take one match at a time."

Intentions

Al Ahli's next opponent will be defending champions Al Wasl in Friday's late night derby.

A win will take the President's Cup winners tied at the top with regular league leaders Al Shabab with 35 points.

"All my players know how crucial this match is," Hasek said.

And it will be even more crucial given the fact that Al Wasl will be out to get some revenge following their 2-0 loss to Al Ahli in the President's Cup final last month.

"Yes, it is going to be like another final, but it will be against a different opponent as they will go all out to win this time," Hasek cautioned.

Al Wasl have already shown their intentions for a late surge after their 2-0 away win to Al Shaab on Monday.

Improved

"Al Wasl is always a dangerous opponent and they have more than proved this with their win against Al Shaab.

"We cannot afford to lose our focus," Hasek said.

The Czech coach's situation has not improved too much with many of his first-choice players down either with injuries or suspensions.

"Al Wasl is missing some key players too, but that means nothing to me as we have to play to our strengths," Hasek said.

"For us, every game is the next game and the next game is the key game that can eventually see us being crowned the new league champions.

"The players are ready and I hope we can get full three points," he said.

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