Dubai: Sharjah coach Abdul Aziz Al Anbari has warned his players to be on guard away to Al Jazira on Friday, as their fellow title contenders look to knock them off their perch.
The Kings are top of the league with four wins from four after beating Al Dhafra, Al Nasr, Shabab Ahli and Fujairah.
Al Jazira are just two points behind in third, after drawing with Bani Yas, between wins over Shabab Ahli, Fujairah and Ajman.
Al Ain are second, level on points with Sharjah, also with four wins from four, but they are separated on goal difference, and will be looking to go top when they travel to eighth-placed Fujairah. Wins so far have come against Emirates, Al Dhafra, Al Nasr and Shabab Ahli.
“All teams playing against us will be at full focus now because of our previous results and the media attention that has garnered,” said Al Anbari.
“We must be fully prepare for Al Jazira, who possess distinct elements, and won’t be easy to beat. It will take a great effort to get a result.
“Al Jazira have one of the best offences in the league and we should focus on the details. We call for discipline to continue the run we are on, and to keep the spirit that exists among the players.”
Elsewhere, Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic said his side weren’t distracted by an interview given to Dubai Sports Channel earlier this week by former player Omar Abdul Rahman, on why he left Al Ain for Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal over the summer.
“I have no comment about Amoory,” he said. “He plays for another team now and I’m only responsible for my own players.
“All our focus is on our work and to continue winning titles. I always assure my players that we are one family and are required to help each other. Sometimes there is a difference in views, but what happens inside the dressing room doesn’t go beyond its walls, and this is what distinguishes us from the rest.
“Our goal is clear, to continue reaping strong results, and we are well aware that against Fujairah that won’t be easy. In the wake of their recent loss to Sharjah, we will need to find every way to beat them.
“We are keen to adjust our situation and improve the level the team, especially after our second half against Shabab Ahli,” he added of last week’s 2-1 win, where Shabab pulled one back after the break despite going a man down.
Elsewhere on Friday, fourth-placed Al Wahda travel to tenth-placed Emirates and sixth-placed Al Wasl visit bottom of the league Al Dhafra.
