The Brazilian was pleased with the way his side refused to throw in the towel as they even scored a late consolation against the league leaders despite being down to nine men. Junior believes the Hawks can still finish third and claim the last automatic Champions League place, but insists his team have to win their remaining five league games to make that dream a reality.
“My players were fighters. I have a very good group and I believe we can finish the league very well,” said the 51-year-old ex-Al Jazira boss.
Having earned six points from their last three league games, including wins against Al Ain and Al Nasr, Shabab’s next four games are against bottom four clubs Al Shaab, Fujairah, Emirates Club and Al Dhafra. If they emerge from that period with 12 points it would set up a potentially mouth-watering showdown with current occupiers of third-place, Al Wasl.
“I believe it’s not easy but we have five games and 15 points to play for, and we will play against Al Wasl in the last game on our field, so we can (finish third), but we need to win five games,” added Junior.
Uzbekistan international midfielder Azizbek Haydarov was pleased with how his side reacted to Mahmoud Qassim and Carlos Villanueva’s dismissals but is only focusing on the next game against rock-bottom Shaab.
“It’s OK to lose but I want to thank my fellow players for fighting with nine men,” said the 30-year-old. “It was difficult but we gave our maximum and next game we will try our best again and Inshallah we will win.”
