Head coach Damien Hertog had nothing but praise for the way his team played as Al Jazira thrashed Fujairah 5-0 in Thursday’s Arabian Gulf League clash.
Jazira started brightly at Fujairah Stadium and were rewarded for their possession when Ernest Asante’s brace and a goal from UAE starlet Khalfan Mubarak gave the visitors a 3-0 lead at half-time. Abdullah Ramadan then added to the scoreline before Nacer Barazite’s penalty completed an impressive victory.
It was the perfect response from the Pride of Abu Dhabi after they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Shabab Al Ahli in their previous game, and Hertog hailed his players’ efforts, particularly his midfielders.
“I am very satisfied with the result,” said Hertog, whose side remain third in the AGL behind leaders Sharjah and champions Al Ain on 31 points.
“I was very pleased with how we played against a team who are lower than us in the league and were playing under a new coach. It is always difficult to see how the opponents would react to this.
📸5️⃣📷 more images from our 5:0 victory over @Fuj_FC in MatchWeek 15 of the @AGLeague_EN pic.twitter.com/z5NdC6Uybv
— نادي الجزيرة (@AlJazira_uae) 14 February 2019
“I know how difficult it can be for a new coach to try to get a team into rhythm and this was an advantage for us which we took.
“We played very well and created many chances, playing good football like the way we always play. Even in the second half when we were 3-0 up the team kept on playing, working and running until the end of the game and I must compliment the players for the performance.”
“We knew what we were expecting and came up with the best strategy for the match. We controlled the midfield and that was one of the key factors in the game.”
The result was even more impressive given that Jazira were without suspended trio Sebastian Siani, Salem Al Eidi and top-scorer Ali Mabkhout, while midfielder Mohamed Jamal was injured.
Hertog dismissed suggestions that his team were extra motivated to prove they could still win despite the absences of key players.
“This team is pushing themselves in every match,” added the Dutchman. “It doesn’t matter who is playing, all the players want to play important roles for the team. I don’t think they were extra motivated as all the players want to perform well in every game we play.”
Jazira next take on in form Bani Yas in an Abu Dhabi derby on February 21.
