Thursday, Sep 17, 2015
Abu Dhabi: The absence of Chilean star Jorge Valdivia for Friday’s Arabian Gulf League (AGL) Abu Dhabi derby against Al Jazira will not affect Al Wahda’s performance, according to coach Javier Aguirre.
Valdivia misses out on the crucial encounter after he was handed a two-match ban by the UAE FA for an inappropriate finger gesture to the crowd during their 1-0 loss to Al Shabab last week.
“There is no doubt that Valdivia is an important player for us. However, I have 27 players including Valdivia and we have played a few matches without him, so it shouldn’t be a problem,” said Aguirre, who thought the sanction was harsh.
“He has played in Brazil and Chile and there this type of body language is quite normal, but we have to leave it behind and move on.”
Of the defeat by Al Shabab, the Mexican added: “We created several chances in that match and we gave only one and a half-chance for them.
“Al Shabab defended well and were always on the ball throughout the 90 minutes. It was a better game than our previous match, which we won 4-0.”
The derby rivals have three points each from their first two games of the AGL season and Aguirre is expecting a tough match at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium.
“It is going to be a very difficult game for us but I’m very confident. We don’t have a weak defence and the goal against Al Shabab was a mere mistake. It will be a good contest,” he said.
Al Wahda’s Argentinian forward Sebastian Tagliabue added: “I completely agree with my coach’s view. Al Shabab was a strange game and I can say it was the best game we played until now. One mistake cost us the game, but the entire team should take the blame. The match against Al Jazira will be tough but we will give our best.”
Al Jazira coach Abel Braga also backed Al Wahda to be a threat despite the absence of Valdivia.
“It is a derby game and Valdivia’s absence will not make them any weaker. Sometimes, it can make them stronger to play without Valdivia. They will want to show that they can play without a key player,” he said.
“There are many good players at Al Wahda — Tagliabue, Denilson, Esmail Mattar and Mohammad Al Shehhi.”
Al Jazira will be without defender Musallem Fayez as he completes a two-match ban after being sent off against Al Wasl in their opening 2-1 defeat.
In Friday’s other fixtures, Bani Tas travel to Fujairah and Al Shaab entertain Emirates Club.
Bani Yas will be looking to keep their 100 per cent record intact against Fujairah, who bounced back from a humiliating 8-1 trashing by Al Ahli with a resounding 3-0 win over promoted Al Shaab last week.
Bani Yas’ new foreign signing Royston Drenthe will travel with the team and is expected to get on to the pitch at some stage of the match.
By N.D. Prashant Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2015. All rights reserved.
