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Paqueta: We will put on a powerful display to befit the reputation of Al Shabab and UAE football

Al Shabab coach Marcos Paqueta has promised that his team will demonstrate a powerful performance as they travel to Iran to take on Sabaye Qom in an AFC Champions League play-off match due to kick off on Saturday 9th February at 5:30pm, UAE time. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Iran today, Paqueta said, “The players are determined to put in a strong performance to befit the reputation of Al Shabab and UAE football in general”. He assured that losing 0-6 to the Iranian team Pirozzi in the last edition of the Asian Champions League will not affect his team’s determination to come out with a positive result in this encounter that help them to qualify to the group stages.

 Paqueta stated his intent to play a balanced game in both defense and offense, highlighting the fact that it is not a two-legged match but a one-off chance to join the group stages of the AFC Champions League. The Brazilian manager noted that fighting spirit will be the key factor to make the difference between the two sides, and that the team who most likely capitalize on the chances they create, will no doubt emerge winners.

On the other hand, Al Shabab captain Adel Abdulla faced questions as to whether he and his team-mates will be affected by the large crowd expected to attend the game, but the midfielder responded that they are familiar to play in front of such crowds as they have played at home against teams with large fan bases in the Etisalat Pro League too. “We will seek to prove our ability to deal with the circumstances and progress to the group stages,” added Abdulla.