Keizer: We Miss Khalfan, and the Newcomers Needs More Time to Perform to their Real Potentials
Abu Dhabi: Oct. 27, 2021
Marcel Keizer admitted the absence of the injured Khalfan Mubarak in 5 out of 7 matches so far was one of the reasons why Al Jazira is not reaching the same levels they reached last season when they won the league title after they dazzled the country with their beautiful attacking football style.
The number 10 playmaker played only against Al Nasr, Emirates, and Al Orooba and the team won 9 out of9 points from the games, and he missed matches against Al Dhafra, Kalba, Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Jazira won only 4 points out of 12 from these games.
“When you miss your number 10, one of the best playmakers in the country, your performance will be affected of course, so we hope we have back sooner than later. It’s not only Khalfan that is we are affected by his absence, but also the attacking wingers, because the two newcomers, Abdoulay Diaby and Victor Sa, still needs more time to settle in and get used to their new life on and off the pitch, and I am sure they will start delivering to their real potentials very soon. I am not giving excuses, and the available squad proved very well that they can perform on higher levels, and that was clear in the first 30 minutes of our match against Shabab Al Ahli. We are working hard to be more consistent, and with time, patience, and the return of the absentees, will be back to our best again”.
“The game against Baniyas will be thrilling and exciting for the fans, and we still remember very well the last season 3:3 draw at our home and the chances we missed and also the canceled goals. They are not getting the results they deserve recently and we want to move on from the defeat we suffered last week in Dubai, and Thursday game will be a very good chance for both teams to return to winning ways”.
“Khalifa Al Hammadi and Salim Rashid are available for selection after they fulfilled their suspension penalty, but we will be without Khalfan and Zayed Al Ameri as they are both recovering from injuries”.
