Aim for the top, says Ze Mario
Wednesday, 12. March 2008, 01:50:31
Head coach Ze Mario wants to see Al Wasl top the group in their first ACL.Website TV online Soccer
DUBAI - UAE champions Al Wasl know they will have to be at their best when they take on Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya in their opening match in this year's AFC Champions League at Al Wasl stadium on Wednesday.
The seven-time UAE champions and last year's double winners have lost their way in the league this season as they lie eighth in the standings with only five wins from 14 matches.
However, the team still have the chance to represent the UAE again in the AFC Champions League after they qualified for the final of the President's Cup, but for now they turn their attention to Wednesday's clash.
Al Wasl coach Ze Mario has stressed that his side should be wary of the threat their opponents pose, especially because they know little about the five-time Iraq league champions.
"We are looking for a good start to go top of the group," said the Brazilian, who previously coach Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab in the AFC Champions League.
"We have to win all our home matches including the game against Al Quwa Al Jawiya," he added.
"We have prepared well with our league match against Al Ain but AFC Champions League matches are totally different from the local games.
"We don't know much about Al Quwa Al Jawiya but the most important thing is not to underestimate them," concluded the 59-year-old.
Al Quwa Al Jawiya arrived early in the UAE and have played two preparatory matches against local teams in Al Sharjah.
Coach Hamid Salman will be relying on the attacking duo of Akram Hashim and Yasir Abdul Muhsen, who both scored 17 goals between them in Iraq league.
Abdul Muhsen suffered a slight knock but is expected to feature in the match and Salman is confident that all his players will be ready.
"It was good to prepare early for the match in a preparatory camp," said
Salman. "This gave us the chance to prepare the players physically as well as mentally for the AFC Champions League, especially as the game will be against Al Wasl.
"Al Wasl are one of the top teams in the UAE and they are also the league champions. They have several talented players and important foreign players as well.
"Our task is difficult but at the same time it is not going to be impossible. Our team have a good combination of talented players who are capable of a good result against Al Wasl."
Watch soccer online with P2P link

How to use Quote function: