Contrasting approaches as AGL enters 2nd week
dubai — The Arabian Gulf League (AGL) enters its second week with some big clubs trying to continue their bright start, while some trying to make up lost ground.
The rebranded Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Abu Dhabi clubs Al Wahda and Al Jazira had the most ideal of starts to the landmark 10th season last weekend but record League champions Al Ain, Al Nasr and Al Wasl began with stalemates.
So, Week 2, to be played over Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will see contrasting approaches considering where they are situated in the League.
Al Ain haven’t quite had the rub of the green, so to speak, and The Boss will be looking to make amends when they make the road trip to Hatta on Saturday.
The Garden City club had endured a frustrating draw against last year’s runners-up Al Wasl, last time out, and Zoran Mamic and his men will be aiming to add some ballast and put their campaign back on track.
Al Wasl too will be hoping to get things off to a start after that stalemate at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. The Cheetahs go up against an impressive Emirates side, who were involved in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Al Dhafra, last weekend.
Al Wasl coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena has sidestepped questions about his main man Fabio de Lima’s future after the Brazilian become a person of interest.
The Cheetahs have put a Dh100 million price on their prized asset after the midfielder hinted that this weekend could be his last at the Zabeel Stadium. The transfer window in the UAE will shut on October 2. “The club hasn’t told me anything about an official offer and we are thinking about the Emirates game with Fabio with us,” Arruabarrena said in his pre-match press briefing.
“As a coach I am outside of this situation and cannot comment. The situation is between the club and Fabio. If they (club) get an offer they decide is best for the club then that’s up to them. But, if you ask me about the mood of Fabio, it’s good, he’s training happily and he scored in the last match.
The only thing I take care of as a coach is training the team, seeing the possibilities of what I have available to me and putting the best team out on the field,” added the former Boca Juniors coach.
Al Wasl’s neighbours Al Nasr go in search of their first win but it will be a difficult one as they go up against pace setters Al Wahda.
The Blue Wave, coached by former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, were involved in a goalless draw against Sharjah, last weekend. Elsewhere, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will look to build on their 4-1 victory over Hatta, while Al Jazira play Dibba.
james@khaleejtimes.com