Braga hopeful derby win can turn around Jazira’s fortunes

Matt Jones - Editor 21:01 03/11/2015
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  • No time to panic: Boss Abel Braga remains optimistic.

    Boss Abel Braga has challenged his Al Jazira players to put aside their top-flight woes and target Arabian Gulf Cup-success as they prepare for an Abu Dhabi derby with Al Wahda.

    The Pride of Abu Dhabi’s 2-0 defeat at Al Ain on Friday put a severe dent in their Arabian Gulf League ambitions, the loss leaving them 10 points adrift of Zlatko Dalic’s reigning champions.

    They also have plenty of work to do in the cup in order to be one of the top-two sides who qualify for the semi-finals, sitting second bottom of Group B following a draw and a defeat.

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    With the league title looking beyond Jazira, Braga has told his players to focus on glory in the other competitions in the months ahead.

    “We still have a chance in this one to at least qualify with Shabab, who are getting very close,” he said, ahead of WednesdayF’s visit of Al Wahda in the AG Cup.

    “We need to win all the games. We want to do this and we will play for this in the next four games.

    “We’re in a period of transition at this time and have made many changes. I can confirm that we are not in a moment of crisis.

    “The management is harmonious with the technical and administrative staff. The atmosphere is calm and stable in the dressing room.”

    Jazira’s prospects have been hampered by international call-ups, with stars such as Ali Mabkhout, Mirko Vucinic and Jefferson Farfan among those unavailable.

    The two sides come into the contest at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in contrasting form. But Braga was sure the result will not be decided by recent results.

    “The derby is always different, always special,” said the 63-year-old. “Al Wahda came from a good victory (4-1 v Al Shaab) while we came from a depressing defeat against Al Ain, but this will not decide the result of the derby. 

    “The result will be decided by the players and their mentality, their actions on the pitch and their decisions during the match.”

    The Clarets are hardly in the best of form in the competition either, having twice come from two-goals down to rescue successive opening 3-3 draws against both Fujairah teams – a third point earned last time in a 0-0 stalemate with the Boss.

    Wahda are fifth in the AGL, but Mexican coach Javier Aguirre says he wants his team to fight for silverware on all fronts.

    “The goal is to compete for any championship and, with reference to some of the views of the fans calling for success in all championships, I share the same ambition,” said the former Atletico Madrid boss.

    “We aspire to improve our situation in the group and qualify for the semi-finals.”

    Aguirre could give several youngsters a chance, with South American playmaker Jorge Valdivia away with Chile who are preparing for 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Columbia.

    Leading marksman Sebastian Tagliabue – who has an excellent 13 goals in all competitions this term – is also set to be rested.

    “It is an opportunity for the players who were not involved previously to have a game,” said Aguirre. 

    “There are players like Khalid Bawazir and Suhail Al Mansouri performing well and they will have the opportunity to participate in this match.”

    Attacker Bawazir, who has featured in all three AG Cup matches so far, believed the young players need to grasp any opportunities afforded to them.

    “As the coach said he will give the opportunity for young people, so we have to take them,” said the 20-year-old. 

    “We aspire to win and fight in order to qualify to the semi-finals, and in any championship we participate in our goal is to be competitive.”

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