Al Jazira head coach Jurgen Streppel declared his players are eager to make amends for last week’s defeat by beating Shabab Al Ahli on Thursday.
Al Jazira welcome the Arabian Gulf League leaders to Mohammed bin Zayed stadium with the hosts seeking to get back to winning ways after their closely-fought 3-2 derby loss to Al Wahda.
Streppel admits the whole squad was disappointed not to pick up points against their city rivals but has been impressed with their mentality on the training pitch this week.
“Our result against Al Wahda was not what we wanted and we want to make amends as soon as possible when we face Shabab Al Ahli,” said Streppel during the pre-match press conference.
“We want to get back to winning ways and we have full confidence that we can get a positive result.”
Al Jazira will face Shabab Al Ahli for the second time this season, having faced them in Arabian Gulf Cup in August.
Streppel insists their previous meeting will have no significance in Thursday’s clash but is wary of the threat of the Dubai-based outfit.
“We have played them before in the season which was a different game where we played with many youngsters. It will be different on Thursday since we will be playing with a number seniors,” he said.
“By working as a team, we will have to be at our best because Shabab Al Ahli have a good squad and are well organised in both offence and defence.”
Meanwhile, star striker Ali Mabkhout said the only objective they want to achieve is victory. “We know the quality of Shabab Al Ahli’s players but our main goal is to win the match,” said the UAE international. “We will be fully prepared and ready when the game begins.”
