Ammouta: We Must Show a Strong Reaction against Sharjah
Abu Dhabi: Apr. 26, 2025
First-team coach Lhoussine Ammouta revealed that the Argentine striker Ramon Merez will miss their upcoming league match against Sharjah on Sunday evening, and explained that full-back Richard Akonnor still needs to be 100% ready before he can join his teammates for the remaining matches of the current season.
"This match is of particular importance to us because we must show a positive and strong reaction to the defeat against Kalba and because we need to get the team back on the winning ways in the league”, said Ammouta during the pre-match press conference.
“Playing against Sharjah is always difficult, and we will work to be in the best physical and mental condition. I hope everyone is up for it and that we reach the level that will help us win the three points,” he added.
The coach continued, "We haven't won against Sharjah this season due to circumstances that were clear to everyone. Some refereeing errors caused our defeat in the league, while a lack of concentration cost us the President's Cup match, despite us leading and the match going into extra time. Football matches are never the same, and it will be different when we face them on Sunday. We will have to double our efforts and maintain our focus, as they are a strong competitor who performs well in the league and has successfully reached the President's Cup final and the Asian Championship final."
Hussein Ammouta also spoke about his team's injury situation, explaining, "Karim Rekik continues to be absent from the team, and Ramon Merez will also be absent after his injury in the ADIB Cup final. Mohammed Al Attas and Ahmed Mahmoud are performing their national military service and will also be absent. Mhammed Rabie is close to returning and could join the team for tomorrow's match. Another positive piece of news is that Richard Akonnor has fully recovered from his injury, but he still needs to gain match fitness, as we could not give him any minutes in previous matches due to its difficulty."
