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Al Shabab v Al Jazira Pre-Match Press Conferences

Al Shabab head coach Marcos Paqueta is looking forward to a difficult and highly competitive match between his side and Al Jazira at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium on Monday evening, noting that Al Jazira have a wealth of talented players at their disposal, but Al Shabab will play to win as they attempt to push back up the table for a top-four finish. The Brazilian admitted that his side has suffered a recent decline, and confirmed that it is partly down to the fact that the fixture list has been congested with competing in three different tournaments, both in the UAE and further afield. Paqueta said the circumstances for each competition is different, but added pressure and fatigue for his players has not enabled them to fully achieve their desired objectives.

Luis Milla has endured a tough start to his tenure as Al Jazira head coach, and stated at his pre-match press conference that he will play whichever players are fit and ready for the match, due to a large number of injuries currently suffered within the squad. The Spaniard stressed the importance of Monday night’s match and securing his first three points in the Etisalat Pro League since taking over at the Abu Dhabi club, adding: “We will fight to finish the season in second or third place at the very least, to meet the minimum aspirations of the team, the fans and the Club.” He praised Salem Masoud, whose ability to adapt and play in many different positions whilst always displaying a strong fighting spirit has won him a place close to Milla’s heart, along with Abdulla Qasem. Turning his attention to the opponents, Milla stated: “Al Shabab are a strong team and they play a good collective game, with an ability to switch rapidly from defense to attack. We have considered all the necessary data for the match and we intend to take the game to them from start to finish.”