Bani Yas boss Luis Garcia is convinced his underperforming troops “have the power and capabilities” to dig themselves out of a hole, starting with Sunday night’s daunting visit of Arabian Gulf League challengers Al Ahli.
The Sky Blues began the season in style, new strikers Joaquin Larrivey and Ishak Belfodil firing them to three wins and two draws.
But their form has collapsed since, winning just two of their last 12 matches in all competitions to sit 10th.
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“We do understand that we are passing in a very sensitive stage where nothing helps us, and things go in the opposite direction than which we planned,” the 43-year-old ex-Getafe and Levante coach said.
“But I am sure we have the power and capabilities to get out from this hard time.”
Ahli remain on the tail of champions and leaders Al Ain and wins in the two games in hand accrued from their historic run to the 2015 AFC Champions League final would take them top.
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu warned his troops from over-confidence at Bani Yas Stadium.
He said: “In the next game with Bani Yas, you should not just look at their past results even if they are not good. For me, Bani Yas team is a difficult team.
“My players need to be especially ready mentally, as I do not want to judge the rival by previous results.”
Meanwhile, Al Ain boss Zlatko Dalic has urged his side to reach new heights in the coming weeks. The Boss are two games away from the half-way stage in the top flight.
They earned 30 points from 13 matches during their stroll to the 2014-15 crown and the Croatian believes the fierce challenge from the Red Knights means they must better this figure.
“We respect the aspirations of our competitor, especially after Fujairah’s good result against Al Jazira,” said the Croatian, ahead of the visit of the Wolves who gained a 4-0 triumph last time out.
“At the end of the first round last season Al Ain had won 30 points. The team currently has a great opp-ortunity to get a better number.”
At the other end of the table, new Al Dhafra coach Mohammed Kwid wants to make a fresh start during the trip to on-song Al Shabab.
“In front of Al Dhafra are two games before the end of the first round,” said the Syrian, who has overseen two AGL defeats thus far. “We will try to break the team’s series of negative results.”
