Jurcic eyes top-four finish for Bani Yas

dubai — A top-four finish and with it, AFC Champions League football, has crossed Bani Yas coach Krunoslav Jurcic’s mind and the Croatian said that if they continue to perform going into the business end of the Arabian Gulf League, it could be a reality.

The Sky Blues are in the midst of a purple patch, unbeaten in six matches since last November, that has included two draws and four wins on the bounce.

And Jurcic felt that Bani Yas, who were promoted from the First Division, do have a chance to finish the season in the top four.

The Al Shamkha club are currently fifth in the table behind leaders Sharjah, Al Ain, Al Jazira and Shabab Al Ahli.

“If we have a chance, we will take the chance,” Jurcic said after his side beat a strong Al Wasl at the Zabeel Stadium. “Normally, when you get promoted from the First Division to the League, your focus is on stability. But if we do get a chance to make the top four, we will take it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Laurentiu Reghecampf, his opposite number, ruled out a top-four finish but did add that they will look to finish strongly.

Al Wasl are languishing 11th on the table but are in the semifinals of the President’s Cup. They also take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in the quarterfinal first leg of the Zayed Champions Cup on Saturday.

“It was a very hard game for us but I’m not sad about the result because Bani Yas played better,” said Reghecampf.

“I knew it will be a difficult period for us because we had a hectic schedule for us. Four days ago, we had an important game in the President’s Cup and we were not on the same level tonight (Tuesday). It is hard but we have to come back and win the next game in the League.”