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Al Shaab v Al Nasr Pre-Match Press Conferences

Al Nasr head coach Walter Zenga has told his side to be wary of their opponents Al Shaab, who are currently fighting with all their might in order to escape the bottom two relegation places in the League, and has called on his players to retain their focus and discipline in order to overcome the struggling side. The Italian tactician says Al Nasr proved their capabilities with their comfortable 4-1 win over Dubai in the last round because they had a point to prove, and he expects the same level of professionalism and intensity from his steeds at the Khaled bin Mohamed Stadium.

Zenga has urged his players to treat all teams with the same level of respect regardless of their form or League position, and stated that the Al Shaab side they face on Friday is quite different from the one they met twice earlier in the season. “We are up against a changed Al Shaab team with their new coach Sumudica, and they are a different prospect than the side we faced in the first half of the season and in the Etisalat Cup.” Zenga could not confirm whether defender Rashid Mallulah would be fit for selection, stating that he is waiting for confirmation from the team doctor.

On the opposing side, Marius Sumudica knows that Al Nasr’s win in the last round will have the players in a confident mood, and his Al Shaab team will have to work hard to get a good result on Friday. The Romanian coach has been working hard to tighten up the leaky defense and restore confidence in his own side, and is well aware of the pressure his players face as they battle relegation. “The players are playing under tremendous pressure for fear of being relegated to Division 1, but as long as they can stay concentrated and get over this paranoia we will make the most of our chances to collect as many points as possible from now until the end of the season,” he said.