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Majed Hassan: Al Ahli ready for the Arabian Gulf Super Cup

Al Ahli’s young Emirati midfielder Majed Hassan says he and his teammates are fully prepared, both physically and mentally, for the challenge that lies ahead in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup on Friday. Having returned to Dubai on Sunday from the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria, Hassan says the players are fighting fit to take on Al Ain at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. “The training camp was a great success and very beneficial for us as a squad going into a big match on Friday, and a big season ahead,” the 21-year-old said.

Referencing Al Ahli’s activity in the summer transfer window, Hassan says the new additions have served to boost the strength of the squad. “We have made some very good signings this summer, and in particular Ciel’s presence will help to compensate for the absence of Grafite in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup,” the UAE international explained. “Unfortunately it’s a big loss for Graffa to be suspended because of his red card in the President’s Cup final, and also Adnan Hussein is suspended for the same reason, but we are a strong team and we will do our best.”

Having played six friendly matches during pre-season, Hassan pointed out that the team’s progression was evident from game to game. “Since the start of pre-season it’s been a constant evolution in terms of fitness and technique, but now I believe we are fully ready,” he said. Getting accustomed to training under new head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has been another positive during pre-season. “He’s a great coach and has a seamless way of dealing with all the players,” Majed Hassan affirmed, before looking ahead once again to Friday’s big game: “Al Ain is a great team with many honours, and they are our biggest rivals. If we can beat them in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup it will be a huge morale booster before the start of the League. I hope both teams play a really strong game, giving a taster of the competitive and exciting season to come.”