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Hasek wants Al Ahli to maintain their concentration

The Al Ahli coach is hoping his players keep their concentration when they take on lowly Al Khaleej in the sixth round of the UAE Football League (UFL) on Tuesday.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:11 November 11, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: The Al Ahli coach is hoping his players keep their concentration when they take on lowly Al Khaleej in the sixth round of the UAE Football League (UFL) on Tuesday.

"If we have a concentration lapse, we would be asking for problems. We simply cannot afford to relax," Ivan Hasek told Gulf News.

Al Ahli, winners of the season-opening Super Cup, are at the top of the leaderboard with 12 points after five matches. The next three positions are occupied by clubs from Abu Dhabi - Al Ain (11), Al Jazira and Al Wahda (10).

Hasek also knows he must to learn a lesson or two from mistakes made by other clubs, particularly defending champions Al Shabab following their 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej last week.

That draw gave Al Khaleej their first point in the league this season. "They have some good players and they play strong. Although we are playing at home, it's not going to be an easy game," Hasek cautioned.

The Czech coach will have to do without the services of Brazilian playmaker Clederson Caesar, who has been sidelined with an injury for the past couple of matches.

"For sure, Caesar will not be able to play against Al Khaleej as well, but this is a situation we will have to ready for," Hasek stated.

He was also wary of the break between games this week. Last Friday, Al Ahli scored once in each half for a 2-0 win against Al Wasl.

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