Shabab Alahli head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena held a press conference on Tuesday December 25, at Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium, heading into the match against Aljazira, in the quarterfinal of the Arabian Gulf Cup, next Thursday December 27 at Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium.
The coach explained that they have no other option than winning the game to qualify to the semifinals, pointing out to the knock out system applied in this stage, adding that Shabab Alahli and Aljazira are two big teams, and both of them are looking forward to win and qualify to the semifinal.
Rodolfo stressed the need to focus more on the next game, and continue working to improve the performance, adding that there are small details that make the difference in the matches.
“the situation is similar in the two sides, both teams miss some key players who are now with the national team, but I think it will not be a big problem for both since they have a large group of players who are ready to replace the international players”.
The Argentine commented on the draw of the quarter-finals of the President’s Cup, in which Shabab Alahli will face Alnasr, expecting tough match between two big teams, saying that they have enough time to prepare the team, during the break due to participation of the national team in the Asian Cup UAE 2019.
From his side, Shabab Alahli striker Luvannor De Sousa Silva, who accompanied the coach at the press conference, described the game as a difficult against strong team, indicating that they are looking forward to win. Calling upon his teammates to concentrate more and make a double effort to qualify to the semifinal.