Al Ahli assistant coach Catalin Raducan has warned his team that they will have a target on their backs for the rest of the season as they push for the title.
The Red Knights have reached the halfway stage of the season with a six point advantage over secondplaced Al Shabab and a nine-point lead above Al Nasr in third.
With 10 wins from 13 matches, Al Ahli have overcome several hurdles including enduring a slow start – in terms of performances – as well as the loss of coach Cosmin Olaroiu to a six-month touchline suspension.
As things stand, it would be foolhardy to bet against them winning a first title since 2009. But Raducan has told his players that the hard work is yet to be done.
“We are now in a good position, six points is great but it’s nothing,” said the Romanian, who has presided over three straight wins since taking over dugout duties from Olaroiu.
“There are 13 games left of the season, everything can go against us and every team will give 100 per cent against Al Ahli so it will be difficult.
“We have to get through those games and make sure the players understand that every game from here is a final.”
While Ahli have earned their vaulted position thanks to a sturdy determination and stout defence, they have also been the beneficiaries of the competition below them.
Al Nasr, Al Ain, Al Jazira and even Sharjah harbour championship hopes but each one has fallen foul of each other with Al Ahli consistently able to take points off their rivals.
Before their 3-1 win over Al Dhafra on Friday, Al Ahli were boosted by the knowledge that Al Shabab had dropped two points to Bani Yas.
But Raducan has stressed it is more important that the team looks at themselves and not those around them.
“It’s possible to get extra motivation when we see results from other games,” said the Romanian. “For us it is very important not to watch other teams, we need to look at ourselves and concentrate.
“The games helped us but we have to look only at Al Ahli and at our mistakes and grow step by step.”
