Al Ain x Al Jazira. ADNOC Pro League. Pre-match Press Conference
Abu Dhabi: Nov. 21, 2025
First-team coach Marino Pusic held a press conference today, attended by the forward Simon Banza, where they discussed the team's preparations for the highly anticipated match against ADNOC Pro League leaders Al Ain. The match will take place tomorrow evening, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium as part of Matchday 8 of the league competition.
Here are the highlights of the pair's statements to the media.
Preparing for the Derby
"The squad is completed after the return of all the international players, and we were finally able to prepare with a full squad for tomorrow's match against Al Ain. We are still assessing the physical condition of the injured players, as well as the internationals returning from their national teams, but we have great confidence in all the players and are certain they can help us whenever they are on the pitch. The players who participated in the last match against Al Wasl in the ADIB Cup proved that Al Jazira has a strong squad that is ready to face any opponent."
Injuries and Fitness Update
"Nabil Fekir and Mohamed Elneny will be with us for tomorrow's match, but we won't be able to count on Khalifa Al Hammadi and Mohamed Rabie after they picked up injuries while with the UAE national team. I'm not worried about the absences because I have a fantastic group of players who are always ready to help the team against any opponent, and I think the substitutes and youngsters showed against Al Wasl that they are capable of starting matches, which is a positive situation for the team and the club."
A Look at the Opponent
"On Saturday, we face a strong team that is deservedly leading the league table, based on their performance since the start of the season. They have good players in every position and enjoy technical stability that has helped them achieve positive results in all competitions. It will be exciting for us to face them at their home. We, on the other hand, are an improving team that has shown great character and a high level of technical skill in previous weeks. I believe our greatest strength lies in our strong mentality, our willingness to fight until the end, and our ability to create surprises against any opponent. Tomorrow's derby will be exciting and intense, both technically and mentally, and we are all feeling confident and excited before the match, thinking of nothing but giving our best and fighting until the very end to secure the victory and all three points."
A Message to Al Jazira Fans
"I would like to thank the fans again for their fantastic support of the team, both at home and away. I am confident that they will be present in large numbers at tomorrow's match, and I am aware of the special importance this derby holds for them. I promise them that the players will spare no effort to make them happy, and we will fight to be a reason for their joy and pride in the team."
Simon Banza's Key Quotes
"Our preparations for tomorrow's match are going well, especially now that the squad is complete with the return of all our national team players. Morale is high in the locker room and in training, and we are all determined to give our best and show our true potential away from home against a strong opponent like Al Ain. I am happy at Al Jazira Club and I have great confidence in myself from the coach, my teammates, and the fans, whom I promise that I will fight hard to help the team win and advance in all the competitions we participate in. Scoring goals makes me happy, but what's most important to me is the team's victory and winning all available points. I promise Al Jazira fans that I will never stop fighting for them, for the team, and for the club."
