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Chovanec: Players focused on League chase

Bani Yas head coach Josef Chovanec says he is helping his players to put their cup exit behind them, and working hard to raise team morale so as to focus fully on their Etisalat Pro League campaign. Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Round 16 tie with Dubai, the Czech manager said; "We are looking to stay in touching distance of the League leaders Al Ain, and getting the three points on Friday is our only option. We have the home advantage so we hope to capitalise on that."

Chovanec knows that Dubai will be tough opponents, particularly as the visiting side have taken points off some of the best teams in the League this season, and boast a strong squad. The Czech coach praised the addition of Egyptian star Mohamed Aboutrika to the squad, with the new signing having scored a sublime goal on his debut in the President's Cup earlier this week. Chovanec confirmed that Aboutrika's presence in the side has called for a new approach to the playing style of his Bani Yas team.

Meanwhile, Dubai's French head coach Rene Marsiglia stated that the game will be as difficult as any other in the Etisalat Pro League, and his players must put in a strong performance to get a positive result. Defender Ali Hassan is injured and will miss the away trip to Bani Yas, but midfielder Waleed Khaled is welcomed back to the fold after recovering from his injury. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Marsiglia scrutinised the long pauses seen between rounds of the Pro League, claiming it disrupts the players' rhythm and routine and affects their concentration and state of mind.