ABU DHABI // Al Jazira may be playing their fourth game in 11 days on Saturday, but rather than complaining about the test of his side’s resources, Walter Zenga is relishing the challenge.
Jazira meet city neighbours Al Wahda in a league clash at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium on Saturday night after playing three away games, two in the Asian Champions League (ACL) in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the semi-final in-between against Al Dhafra away in the League Cup.
“It is not easy for any team to play in the ACL and the domestic competitions, particularly when you have to play all games away and within seven days,” Zenga said. “They have all been tough matches and now we play a derby game. We prefer to play such games because when the players are in such a mood they need to play big games.”
Zenga said his team could not raise the level against Dhafra last week in front of only 1,000 fans after returning from the big game atmosphere in Saudi Arabia where they defeated Al Shabab 3-1 in the ACL.
"Now we have returned from a tough 94 minutes against Esteghlal of Iran in a 2-2 draw and I believe playing a derby match will be enough motivation for the players to keep that same level. I prefer this schedule than playing one game in one month," he said.
Zenga will adopt a rotation policy but would not comment on the team line-up on Friday.
“When you play three games in seven days we may need to make changes. They are humans,” the Italian said.
“We have to look at the players and discuss the condition of the players with the medical and technical staff.
“The players have given 100 per cent in training and in the games. I am lucky to have such a mentality from them and I am confident they can take this momentum forward.”
One player who will not be taking part in the game is Shin Hyun-min, the South Korean midfielder who is serving a one-match ban for three yellow cards.
Jazira are third on 36 points in the Arabian Gulf League table and Wahda are seven behind in sixth. Jazira have won twice over Wahda, 4-3 in the league and 1-0 in their most recent meeting in the League Cup.
Wahda got the better of them 1-0 in the President’s Cup in December.
“We all know they are a good team,” Zenga said. “They have good offensive mentality and through the possession of the ball they can keep control and on top of it, they have quality players.
“But our style from October 30 has always been the same. Focus on what we want and not think what others want to do.”
Wahda are returning from a three-week break but that has not gone well with their coach Jose Peseiro insisting the interruption has left them short of match fitness.
“Of course we have prepared well during this period. Still, the momentum we built before the break has been broken,” he said. “Jazira on the other hand is the team in form. They have been playing well but we also want to win because it is a derby game.”
Relegation threat looms over Dubai as they face Wasl
Dubai can take some confidence from their most recent win over Baniyas in the League Cup. They make the short trip to the Zabeel stadium for a meeting with Al Wasl as they seek to end a frustrating run since December 4 of 10 Arabian Gulf League games without a victory. Dubai are at the bottom of the table and with six games left will have to win as many points as possible to move out of the relegation zone. Another crisis-hit team, Wasl are in 10th place and are under caretaker coach Saleem Abdulrahman after parting ways with Laurent Banide then Hector Cuper.
apassela@thenational.ae
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