Toni Oliveira has made it abundantly clear he has no pretensions of glory as he charts Al Sharjah's campaign in the Champions League. Yet, the Portuguese coach will not just let his side roll over when they meet group favourites Al Shabab at home tonight. Sharjah lost 2-0 at home to Qatar's Al Gharafa in their last Champions League match. Without a point after two games, and struggling domestically, Oliveira has promised a fight against the big-name Saudis.
"It is going to be a very difficult match for us," said Oliveira. "Shabab are one of the strongest teams in Asia. "There is a big difference between us and them, and we know their level. But that does not mean we are going to surrender or be complacent. "I am not going to tell my players, 'go but don't play, go but don't fight'. We are going to fight and try our best to get a positive result. It is good for the players to be playing in a competition like the Champions League. What is important for me is that I feel we are growing as a team. This is the positive we can take from these games."
The Shabab coach Enzo Trossero has been missing nine of his players during the run-up to the game as they were on national duty. He hopes they will settle back in quickly. "We have been playing a game virtually every three days and there has been a lot of pressure on us," he said. "Sharjah are a good side and we watched their games against Piroozi and Gharafa. So we are expecting a tough match as they will be playing at home."
The good news for Sharjah is the return of their talismanic Brazilian striker Anderson, and now Oliveira hopes the fans will also turn out in numbers to support them. "I understand the fans have other things on their minds," he said. "They can also watch the games on television. "But I hope they will come to the ground. I want to send this message out to them. We need them for the Champions League games we will be playing at home, and all the matches of the Pro League.
"I will keep trying to bring them to the stadium." @Email:arizvi@thenational.ae Sharjah v Shabab, Dubai Sports 1, KO 7.20pm