Al Wahda manager Vuk Rasovic preparing for a tougher challenge at Sharjah after first day rout

Abu Dhabi club travel to the champions with confidence high

Al Wahda manager Vuk Rasovic at the pre-match conference held on a virtual platform at Al Nahyan stadium. Courtesy Al Wahda Club.

Al Wahda manager Vuk Rasovic believes momentum is on their side when they travel to Sharjah to face the defending champions in the Arabian Gulf League on Thursday.

The Abu Dhabi club got their campaign off to the best possible start with a 6-0 rout of Hatta on the opening night of the competition but know round two will be tougher.

Rasovic is aware of the task ahead but is encouraged by the confidence built from the first game.

“We were spot on in everything we did at training and everything we planned right for the first game,” the Serbian, who moved from Al Dhafra in September, said.

“I wish we can replicate that performance but we are against a stronger side. It’s not going to be easy but we’ll do our best to play as we did last week.”

Wahda travel without the Brazilian forward Henrique Luvannor, who left the pitch against Hatta with a cruciate ligament injury on 17 minutes.

The UAE international midfielder Khalil Ibrahim suffered a similar injury in the friendly against Uzbekistan two weeks ago and misses out Wahda’s second game as well.

“Injuries are not unusual and we have to deal with it in the best way possible,” Rasovic added.

“Of course it’s a problem when some of your key players are not available but I hope those who fill those positions will be even more motivated to show what they can do.

“I want everyone in the squad to play at the same level when they are provided with the opportunities. They should be ready for to play at any given time.

“It is almost the same team as we didn’t have Khalil for the first game and Luvannor had to leave the field after 17 minutes.”

Sharjah come into the game after clinching a 4-2 win over Fujairah.

“I hope the players are ready for the next game and put in a better performance,” the Sharjah manager and former UAE international Abdulaziz Al Anberi said.

The opening round of the league saw 29 goals scored across the seven matches and a coaching casualty with Laurențiu Reghecampf fired from Al Wasl following their 4-1 defeat to Baniyas in the league opener.

Salem Rabee is in charge of Wasl until the manager’s position is filled at the Zabeel stadium.

Wasl travel to Hatta while Baniyas are on the road to Fujairah for the two early games.