Al Jazira caretaker Damien Hertog happy from 'all different angles' after Emirates Club win

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  • (Twitter/@AlJazira_uae).

    Al Jazira’s caretaker boss Damien Hertog was thrilled from “all different angles” after the Arabian Gulf League’s new joint-leaders battered Emirates Club 6-0.

    A trademark hat-trick from UAE hot shot Ali Mabkhout – that included a comically effortless chip – and a trio of his own from assist-king Khalfan Mubarak saw relegation-threatened opponents ruthlessly put to the sword at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. This result, allied with Sharjah’s 1-1 draw at Al Wasl and Al Ain’s 4-0 dispatching of Dibba Al Fujairah, created a three-way tie at the top.

    This emphatic scoreline also put the Pride of Abu Dhabi first in the scoring charts, plus continued the positive strides made in last week’s impressive 2-1 derby win at Al Wahda.

    “I am very delighted with the performance,” said Hertog, whose won both top-flight matches since fellow Dutchman Marcel Keizer was poached by Sporting Lisbon after only five months in charge. “I give big compliments to my team.

    “After big games, we had dropped points against teams that are lower in the league. This time, we succeeded in the mission to get the three point – well deserved, obviously.

    “There was some very good attacking play and very nice goals. They showed their great football.

    “All compliments to the team. It also gives you an opportunity when 4-0 up to give other players, who work hard in training during the week, a chance with the team.

    “From all different angles, I am very delighted with this game.”

    Mabkhout and Mubarak are fuelling an unlikely title charge by Jazira.

    The former overtook Sharjah’s Welliton at the top of the scoring charts, moving onto 13 goals in 11 run-outs. Mubarak’s solitary assist on Friday night was his ninth of the campaign – three more than anyone else.

    These emphatic displays are a contrast to 2017/18’s woeful title defence, when off-the-field issues bled into the results.

    Despite a promising opening few months, Hertog is not taking anything for granted.

    “We never spoke about competing for the title, so far,” said the ex-Feyenoord Under-19s tactician. “We speak about playing well and playing our game.

    “If we want to be a big team, you have to win the games against the bigger teams and the smaller teams. If you can keep on doing this, still unbeaten in the league, then we can take it all the way.”

    Hertog has carried on the fine work started by Keizer in the capital. With no announcement made about a permanent successor to the former, is the status quo likely to remain for the rest of 2018/19?

    “No, no news,” he replied, while laughing, when asked about an extended stay. “It’s a quick answer.”

    Jazira next travel to third-bottom Al Dhafra on Tuesday.

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