Al Shabab coach says still problems with team

Dubai: Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo says he still has weaknesses to resolve just three days before their season gets underway.

The club begins its campaign with a Super Cup clash against traditional rivals and neighbours Al Ahli at the Al Maktoum Stadium at 10pm on Sunday.

Cerezo told Gulf News: "I admit we have to attend to a few small things, especially in the midfield and defence.

"We have been working on correcting these minor weaknesses so that we can start like a champion side."

Despite winning the league last year, Al Shabab were weak on the left wing with the coach having limited options.

But the club management may well have resolved the issue with the signing of youngster Esmail Ahmad.

Cerezo said: "Esmail has been with the under-20 national team most of this summer, and he will need time to see how best he can fit into his role.

"He will be with us shortly and then we will at least have the option of a suitable substitution,"

Summer changes

Al Shabab was one of the few clubs that made few changes over the summer, largely keeping faith in the players that lifted the league trophy last season.

The only changes made have been the signing of three new overseas players in Brazilians Marcos dos Santos Assuncao and Carlos Renato de Abreu along with Zimbabwean striker Mousa Mguni.

"The foreign players are here because of what they are capable of contributing to this team," said Cerezo.

"All three are talented, and we have seen what the two Brazilians can do as they have performed here last year.

"The Zimbabwean too is in the same category, but he will have to prove himself during the season," said the Brazilian coach.

Meanwhile, the team continued their preparations for the Super Cup.

The squad will check in to the Movenpick Hotel from tomorrow and continue with their preparations at the Al Nasr Club ground.

"There's nothing special about the preparations, we will be getting match ready in the next two days," said Cerezo.

Al Shabab have not made wholesale changes to their squad. But three overseas players have been brought in to add extra quality.