Ten Cate bullish despite absences
Al Jazira coach ‘not worried’ about depleted side’s cup trip to Al Nasr
Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate is unfazed by the injuries and absences that plague his squad ahead of their top of the table clash away to Al Nasr in the Arabian Gulf Cup today.
Both sides are level at the top of Group A, and look to take outright control to make up for respective slow starts in the Arabian Gulf League. However, they are also equally-affected by injuries and national team call-ups, with the UAE playing Haiti in a friendly in Al Ain today.
“We have already faced Al Ain in this competition and we won against them despite the big absences in the squad, so I am not worried about my team’s readiness to face Al Nasr,” said Ten Cate, whose side had earlier lost 4-2 at home to Al Nasr in the league in September.
“I am confident that the players who will be selected for the match will use the opportunity in the best possible way, and will face the opponent in a spirit of combat to achieve the desired result.”
Al Nasr coach Cesare Prandelli said his side were in a similar predicament. “We are still suffering from injuries and absences, which always deprive us, but we will continue to work with new ideas and prepare more than one alternative in case of emergency.” Al Nasr lost 2-0 at home to Al Wasl in the Arabian Gulf League last weekend and are fifth in the division, while sixth-placed defending champions Al Jazira were held to a goalless draw at home to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
Both coaches will seek solace in the cup where the top two sides from each group progress to the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, today, third in Group A Ajman are away to fourth-placed Hatta. And second in Group B Dibba are away to third-placed Emirates.
Tomorrow, Al Wasl host Shabab Ahli, while Al Ain are at home to Al Dhafra and Al Wahda travel to Sharjah.