DUBAI // Paulo Comelli, the Emirates manager, says he will decide whether to strengthen his squad next month only after finishing this week’s crucial encounter with Ajman.
The Brazilian succeeded Eid Baroot on December 8, tasked with ensuring the Ras Al Khaimah club stay in the Arabian Gulf League beyond this season.
Emirates sit fourth from bottom in the standings – the same position that greeted Comelli – having lost eight of 12 fixtures. In Comelli’s three league matches in charge, they have one victory and two defeats.
The latest loss came at Al Shabab on Friday, leaving Emirates three points above the relegation zone. Thursday’s home game against Ajman therefore assumes even greater significance, with Abdulwahab Abdulqadir’s men at present ranked lowest in the division.
Should Emirates lose, then Comelli may be forced to seek reinforcements in the January transfer window. For now, though, he says more time is required to assess the resources already at his disposal.
“We’re waiting for the first round of the season to finish so we can evaluate things with the administration,” Comelli said. “So, first we will try to see our needs and decide from there.
“I need time to get to know not only the players on the pitch, but the substitutes and the reserves that can come in. We need some time to work and to organise those things.”
Emirates face an important period over the next few weeks, when they face Ajman, Al Dhafra and Dubai – teams around them in the table – in a sequence that could define their campaign.
“Emirates are faced with a different situation than Al Ahli and Al Shabab and all the strong teams,” Comelli said. “We’re really fighting not to go down to the second division. This is our situation, so we will try to get maximum points needed to realise our target.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae