Al Jazira will be missing four key players including star striker Ali Mabkhout but head coach Damien Hertog is confident his team can claim victory against Fujairah after been impressed with their work ethic during training.
Jazira travel north for Thursday’s Arabian Gulf League match and will be looking to get back to winning ways and their title fight back on track following a 1-0 defeat against Shabab Al Ahli last time out.
Hertog will be without suspended trio – midfielder Sebastian Siani, defender Salem Al Eidi and top-scorer Mabkhout – while tenacious midfielder Mohamed Jamal is still injured.
However, Hertog believes his players are more than capable of coping with the absences against Fujairah, who are 12th.
“We have some players missing who are suspended or injured for this match including our top-scorer (Mabkhout) which we would rather not have,” said Hertog, whose side sit third in the standings, four points behind second-placed Al Ain and six adrift of leaders Sharjah, who go to Al Nasr on Thursday.
“This is something we have to deal with and that is why we have a squad. During the week we have been working on a strategy on playing without these players and we are looking to take all three points against Fujairah.
“Overall I am very impressed by the players’ efforts in training. Their work ethic and discipline has been fantastic during the week. Their willingness to improve every day as well as having fun in training is what I really enjoy about working at the club.”
Despite a 15-point margin between Jazira and the promoted Wolves, Hertog is wary of the threat posed by their opponents.
“There are no easy games in this league,” said the Dutchman. “We have dropped points to teams below us so we can never underestimate our opponents.
“Fujairah have changed their head coach and this will improve their players’ confidence and this is something we have to be ready for.”
Victory on Thursday will put the Pride of Abu Dhabi’s title challenge back on track but Hertog re-emphasised the importance of no pressure being placed on the team to lift another league crown this season.
“If your goals are to win the league, then there will be pressure,” said Hertog. “But there is no pressure on the team to win the league this season. We have performed very well so far and have the ambition to win every game.
“Our goal is to improve and build the team for this year and the future.”
Dutch midfielder Nacer Barazite said the team is ready to move on following their last defeat.
“It is an important game and it’s three points up for grabs. We have to go out there and win and I am confident we can do that,” he said.
