Zenga backs new signings to spark title challenge

Kenny Laurie 10:35 20/01/2014
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  • Backing the new boys to deliver: Zenga ready to lead title charge.

    Al Jazira boss Walter Zenga believes his two new star signings, Felipe Caicedo and Jucilei Da Silva, will have an immediate impact on the fortunes of the team.

    Both new boys made impressive debuts in the Pride of Abu Dhabi’s 2-1 away win over Al Wasl on Saturday.

    While the Ecuadorian and the Brazilian were clearly a little rusty and obviously lacking understanding with their new team-mates, the pair did make an impression, particularly Caicedo who played a major hand in the all-important second goal.

    Zenga has been given the clear backing off the club’s board, who parted with Ricardo Oliveira and summer signing Nelson Valdez, to make room for the duo.

    “They are two players who can really help us a lot,” said Zenga. “Regarding Felipe Caicedo, he had only trained once and Jucilei Da Silva is one amazing midfielder in my opinion.

    “Those two players have the quality and technique for exactly what we want for the second half of the season. And I think you can understand that when in the second half they got into the game, you can see the difference they made immediately.

    “The players on the pitch are playing very well and playing for each other. This is what we have been looking to do and what we are looking for in the future.”

    Zenga took the time to pay tribute to Oliveira, who being a foreigner stayed with the club for five years and made Abu Dhabi his home. The striker looks set to be on his way to Dubai to play for Al Wasl.

    With Oliveira leaving, Zenga is putting more faith into striker Ali Mabkhout.

    The Italian said: “I repeat that Mabkhout is one of the best players here in this country. He has to improve of course, he has to be more of a striker, and he missed a chance because he wanted to score the best goal in the world [against Al Wasl]. He is young and he is growing up with everyone else in the team.”

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