Dubai: Al Shabab coach Fred Rutten has cautioned his players to be wary of the smaller teams in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL).
Al Shabab travel to Ras Al Khaimah to play Emirates Club in their fourth round match of the AGL on Friday, and Rutten has urged his players to go all out and return with three points and maintain their position at the top of the league.
“I have always stressed that there are no weak teams in the league. Everyone is capable of winning against anyone of the others. What we need to do is take it one match at a time and keep our focus and concentration for all 90 minutes when we are on the pitch,” Rutten told media.
Al Shabab is at the top of the 14-team standings with a maximum nine points followed by Al Jazira on seven — and Al Ahli and Al Ain with six points each, although both having played one match less than the rest of the teams. “Our standing at the top is really irrelevant to me at this stage as it is way too early in the season. What we need to do is just focus on one match at a time and ensure we get maximum points every time we play,” the Dutch coach added.
Emirates have just one point to show — courtesy of last week’s goalless draw against Dibba — after three rounds of the AGL. “Don’t look at their past,” Rutten cautioned.
“They have improved after every match they have played and we need to go in seriously with our eyes on all three points. They started off badly, but in the last two matches they have got confident with the quick counter-attack one of their main tools,” he added.
The Dutchman further reiterated that his players need to learn the art of playing at one standard throughout the match. “We need to play an even and equal two halves. We have been showing this spirit, but in phases. Now we need to be consistent and then push towards improving as a unit.”
