ABU DHABI // Al Jazira have distanced themselves from any potential coaching change ahead of a key match against Al Dhafra on Friday.
Walter Zenga, the former Italy goalkeeper and Al Nasr coach for nearly three seasons, has been linked to the club, but officials dismissed the question as “irrelevant” at a pre-match conference on Wednesday.
Luis Milla, the incumbent coach, has already come under pressure following the poor start to the season.
“There is pressure ahead of any game and we need to handle it without fear,” the Spaniard said.
“As for my experience as a player and coach, I would worry only if the team starts well and finish bad. The team is doing well. Sometimes we take a step back when we have to go forward, though.”
Jazira have won all four away games in the league and the League Cup, and Milla believes his team can continue to do so when they travel to the Western Region of Abu Dhabi to meet a team that beat Al Ain last month.
“We want to maintain our 100 per cent away record. The games we lost had their own reasons,” Milla said.
“Dhafra are one of the most improved teams with a strong midfield and attack. We need to play with humility and respect against them, and hopefully return with three points.”
apassela@thenational.ae
