Keizer: We will Ready to give our best against Shabab Al Ahli

Abu Dhabi: Oct. 14, 2022

Al Jazira coach Marcel Keizer insisted that his players are feeling exhausted after playing 2 matches in 4 days and having only 2 days to prepare for their trip to Dubai to face Shabab Al Ahli in the League.

The Dutch coach spoke to the media yesterday about his team preparations for the anticipated match at Rashid Stadium against Leonardo Jardim’s side and commented on the possibility of Ali Mabkhout featuring in this match.

“This is the third big match we play since the beginning of the season, after Al Ain and Sharjah, and we enjoy this type of matches. Facing Shabab Al Ahli at their stadium is always difficult, their team is good and they have strong players and they prefer an attacking football style like us, and am sure the fans will enjoy some nice goals in this match”.

“We can't be distracted by other matches or teams, and it's too early to think about the league table. We will focus only on ourselves, and on the big job at our hands, as we need to work harder on improving all aspects of our performance”.

“Everyone is in good form, except of Achraf Bin Charki, who picked a muscle injury in the last match against Dibba, and we don’t have any problems in playing every 3 or 4 days, but on the contrary, we prefer this schedule. The only negative side is the lack of time for the injured players to recover and return to training with the group, but other than this we are fine and we will never complain”.

“We have to respect the privacy of Ali Mabkhout and his family during these hard times, he is very important to us and he helps us to decide matches and win points, but we can't discuss his return to training now. This is something only Ali and his family will decide, and we will give him all the time he needs of course”.