Al Ahli midfielder Habib Fardan is casting emotion aside when he returns to former club Al Nasr this weekend, insisting he thinks only about getting the Red Knights’ faltering Arabian Gulf League title defence back on track.
The shock second home defeat of the season inflicted by Emirates Club on Saturday sees the champions languishing in seventh place, collecting a paltry 13 points from their opening nine fixtures.
This poor form has taken the edge off Fardan’s first trip back to Al Maktoum Stadium following his big-money summer switch.
“For me, the three points are more important,” the UAE international said. “I do not think about Al Nasr or any team. I think only about three points and how to win this game, because it is so important for us.”
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu added: “In this moment, every point is important for us. We have a difficult team in front of us with Al Nasr.
“We have to pass a psychological moment that is not the best for us. We must forget everything, and start in the best way again.
“We still have a chance and are near to the first place.”
Circumstances again conspired against Ahli.
A number of their squad had only just returned from Gulf Cup duty with the UAE, forwards Ahmed Khalil and Grafite were lost to injury during the match and Majed Hassan was dismissed.
Olaroiu remains convinced he could return the title holders to winning ways.
He said: “I have had many challenges; every game is a challenge for me. I have been in many situations, both good and bad.
“I still believe we can be back. Our players can do more than they have until now.
“Like any coach, I want the players to be training with me and playing the way we ask them to play. It is different to stay one month playing five games, and after three days play in a different way with different requests from a different coach.”
