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Al Wahda v Al Shaab Pre-Match Press Conferences

 

Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic has warned his Al Wahda side against complacency as they face Al Shaab on Saturday, noting that the relegation battlers have been performing well in recent games. “We have to focus and play with high intensity and spirit in order to win this match; Al Shaab are willing to attack as they fight to stay in the League,” he said at his pre-match press conference. 

 

Al Wahda will be suffering from a number of absences for the game, as Adel Al Hosani steps in to replace his brother Ali, who misses out due to picking up three yellow cards this season. Mohamed Al Shehhi, Mubarak Al Mansouri and Hamdan Al Kamali will also not be available for the Round 18 match, although Mahmoud Khamis might play.

 

Meanwhile, Al Shaab coach Marius Sumudica claims his steeds deserve a nickname befitting their battling qualities at this stage in the season. “My side should be aptly named ‘warriors’ during the remaining rounds of the League, for the players are fighting for their lives for the entirety of each match.”

 

Sumudica is aware of Al Wahda’s threats, particularly the dangers they pose from set pieces and corner kicks, having scored 18 goals from such situations so far this season. The Romanian coach has an almost full squad to select from, with only midfielder Fahad Obaid missing out, but Sumudica is confident that his replacement in the side will put in a strong shift along with the rest of the team in order to get a good result.