Dubai: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai are keen to learn from past mistakes as they host second-placed Al Wahda in Week 6 of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Friday.
The newly merged club dropped vital points when they were held to a goalless draw by Sharjah in last week’s action. The result left them three points adrift of leaders Al Ain and in fourth position behind Al Wahda and Al Wasl. That leaves coach Cosmin Olaroiu with very few options except going all out for victory and full points.
“Once again we are up against a tough opponent who has made their intentions clear for another league title this season. They are up there and flying high and nothing less than a win will do for us on Friday,” Olaroiu said.
Going by past meetings between the two teams, the Romanian coach predicted a delectable brand of football. “Games like these are good for this league. I am convinced both teams will play open with an aim to win and it is games like these that will create a unique atmosphere and bring more spectators to the ground,” he said.
Olaroiu did not appear too worried about his strikers not finding the back of the net in their previous game. “We have had some problems but we have found solutions to these. We have to remember that every game is different than the previous one and I am not too worried we could not score [against Sharjah]. It is always going to be difficult to score against a team [like Sharjah] who defend very deep. It is important to score early in such games because, if you don’t, then it is going to be difficult to score,” he said.
“We have scored in all other games that we have played until now. It was only one game that we didn’t score, so this is not a big problem for us. We can handle it,” he added.
Olaroiu was also pleased that the AGL has been competitive so far. “Sure, this is what every coach wants as it can only improve the standard of play. More teams vying for the top spot means the games are competitive, and football will be the winner as more fans will be attracted to attend,” he said.
