Dubai: Al Ahli are insistent that they are by no means in a holiday mood despite already claiming the Arabian Gulf League title this season.
The Red Knights, who are at the top of the standings with 58 points, are within striking distance of the highest points tally in a single season in the professional era of the league since it took off in 2008-’09.
Al Ain currently hold that record; they garnered 62 points in their title-winning campaign last season.
On Friday, Al Ahli will be at home against a resurgent Ajman Club followed by their final-round match against Al Dhafra the following week. They will then take on last year’s champions Al Ain in the President’s Cup final in Abu Dhabi on May 18.
Al Ahli’s assistant coach Catalin Raducan is expecting no favours from either of their opponents during the final two rounds of the league, however. “Ajman has had a very strong second round and they have nothing to lose against us,” Raducan said.
“For sure, the most important thing for us is to keep our concentration and be focused for these final six points. It is important that we use these two league matches as a preparation for the President’s Cup final,” he added.
Asked if there is a holiday mood prevailing within the squad after wrapping up three trophies so far, Raducan was quick to reply: “We want the fourth trophy, too. We are not here on holiday. We want to set some records and the best way to achieve this would be to maintain our level of play. I think, and I repeat, that this is the most important thing for us,” he added.
Raducan further affirmed that the records would take care of themselves if his side maintained their form. “Until now, the players have shown their character and I am sure they will continue with the same dedication in the last two games. I don’t know about the record, but we want the club to finish the season on a strong note,” he said.
“The next season is very much part of our plans. We are certainly not on a holiday. We realise that a lot of teams will be spending money bringing in new players, so ending strong — keeping the new season in mind — is very much part of the bigger plan,” he said.
“We will not be having a party over three or four months. After the President’s Cup final, we will go on a holiday and then for the preparatory camp, and all along each one will be aware of what exactly he needs to do during this holiday period. It’s good to win trophies, but every year we need to keep on improving.”