Keizer: Resting Exhausted Players against Al Nasr is a Possibility

Keizer: Resting Exhausted Players against Al Nasr is a Possibility

The coach of the first team Marcel Keizer hinted that he may give some of his players a rest in the upcoming match against Al Nasr, to avoid the risk of losing them to injuries and severe fatigue, and he also confirmed the injury of his captain Ali Khaseif and admitted he is not sure if he will lead the squad against the Blues on Saturday night.

“Some of the players are exhausted and tired, but we will keep a close eye on all of them, and we will not hesitate to rest them against Al Nasr because we don’t want to risk losing them to long muscular injuries,” explained Marcel during the pre-game press conference. “Ali Khaseif missed Al Dhafra game due to a sudden injury, and we will wait until the last couple of hours before kickoff and then take a decision about him leading his teammates at Al Maktoum stadium or no.”

“Ali Mabkhout is not 100% fit because he was away for a long period of time. The goal he scored and the record he broke against Al Dhafra is very important for him and for the club, but we can’t think of goals right now. He is the best player in the country and we need to take a very good care of him, and help him to go back to his ideal physical condition, and the goals will come later of course”.

“Al Nasr is a very good team and strong opponent regardless of their recent results or their position in the league table. They have good players all over the pitch, and strong defenders in the back, and we will always show them the respect they deserve. I can’t anticipate anything right now because they changed their coach a couple of days ago, and the new one may change one thing or two in their tactics and style, so we will stick to our plan and focus only on ourselves and prepare in the best possible way for this important match”.

Thulani Serero agreed with coach on the necessity of showing Al Nasr the respect they deserve, and urged the team not to get distracted by their recent poor form.

“Al Nasr is one of the biggest clubs and strongest teams in the UAE and we know we will face difficulties against them on Saturday night. The have strong squad and some very creative players who can decided matches in a blink of an eye, and that’s why we should always respect them, and face them with concentration and discipline, and fight until the last whistle to return to Abu Dhabi with the three points”.