(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Spiders coach Gerets asks for nothing less than a win against Kalba
Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira manager Eric Gerets has asked nothing less than a win from his side as they try to keep up with League leaders and city rivals Al Wahda.
The Spiders travel to faraway Ittihad Kalba on Tuesday for their eighth game of the League and Gerets is hoping that they can return to the Capital with a fifth win and keep the pressure on Al Wahda as they head into a break.
Four points separates Al Wahda and Al Jazira and Gerets has told his squad that there can be no slip-ups. He also urged his side to build on the progress they have made so far.
“It is a very important match for us because it will give us a chance to prove that we are continuously improving and enhancing all the aspects in our performance. We did great job against Al Nasr in the last game and defeated them finally after they caused us a lot of problems during the last few seasons. But everything we achieved and proved against Al Nasr will be meaningless if we draw or lose against Ittihad Kalba” said the Belgian.
“We must come back to Abu Dhabi with the three points if we want to stay on the right track and if we are serious on putting more pressure on the League leaders. If we did our job with the minimum mistakes and give all we have against our opponents then we will win. And my players know that we cannot allow Ittihad Kalba to spring surprises against us” added Gerets.
But he added that they will have to be prepared for anything the bottom-placed team throws at them. “I cannot predict the scenario of any match and I cannot discuss any weaknesses of any opponent. Ittihad Kalba though are strong in closing gaps and quick in return to defence. That’s why they have never lost with a four or five-goal margin. And they are also brave in attack when they have the ball. So obviously we need to be very careful and always concentrating when we meet them” said the 60-year-old.
There is a fitness cloud over striker Mirko Vucinic and youngster Ahmed Al Ghilani but both could figure in the squad. Vucinic is suffering from a minor injury in the tendons while Al Ghilani had returned from the AFC Under-19 Championship in Myanmar with an injury.
Vucinic trained with the squad while Al Ghilani is working on reaching his best fitness level.
Bani Yas look for three on the bounce
Meanwhile Bani Yas who reignited their campaign from the sixth round will be looking for a third win on the bounce when they entertain Ajman at the Bani Yas Stadium on the same night.
The Sky Blues had gone the first five games without a win and there was mounting pressure on manager Luis Garcia. But back-to-back victories over Al Shabab at home and away to Al Wasl has put them back on track.
Bani Yas are currently placed seventh with nine points and meet Ajman who have six points and are sitting penultimate from the bottom.
jameskhaleejtimes.com
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