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Dubai v Al Ahli Pre-Match Press Conference

Dubai head coach Rene Marsiglia has called on his players to use the power of their frustrations to defeat Al Ahli on Saturday, as they look to stop their slump and turn around a bad run of form.  Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the French manager said: “My players are living in a state of frustration due to recent results, which is a difficult mindset to be in, and we must all stick together to turn things around against Al Ahli.” Marsiglia is aware of his side’s defensive frailties, and added; “Our back line has not been performing to the expected level lately, and I cannot take responsibility for the defensive mistakes as I am not physically on the pitch. But I do take responsibility for lifting the spirits of my players – all of whom I have a great relationship with - and instilling confidence into them in order to better our situation and start winning again.”

Marsiglia also noted that his strikers have been misfiring in recent matches, and they have been working hard in training on the psychological, physical and tactical elements in order to correct this since the last round defeat at Al Nasr. Marsiglia is sweating on the fitness of Rodrigo Vergilio (also known as Careca), and will await an injury assessment from the team doctor before determining whether he can feature in the game. “Hassan Ali continues to be absent due to injury, but the rest of the players are all fit and ready for the match,” Marsiglia added.

Meanwhile Al Ahli will have to do without Ahmad Khalil and Ismael Al Hammadi for their trip to the Dubai FC Stadium, who miss out due to collecting their third bookings in Round 18.