Today's Edition
Kuumar Shyam (Aletihad)
Al Nasr coach Alfred Schreuder probably took a leaf out of reverse psychology when he said that the pressure was on the opposition camp and Dubai derby rivals Al Wasl when they square off in the 47th President’s Cup football finale in Al Ain on Friday night at 7.30pm.
On the eve of the match at the press conference, Schreuder said Al Wasl, as leaders of the ADNOC Pro League, will have the challenge of doing a balancing act while his Al Nasr team, fifth in the league with three matches left to play, have no such complications and will play freely to express themselves at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The Dutchman’s comments also probably came with the background that Al Wasl are seeking a third title and end a drought in their hat-trick attempt since 2006-07. “The Emperor” Al Wasl have reached the final 10 times but only won twice, which suggests the heavy weight of expectations can be unsettling for them more.
Al Nasr have also made it to the final as much as 11 times and won four titles, the last of which came in 2021, which is not ideal but still better than their city rivals from across the Dubai creek.
Schreuder’s Serbian counterpart Milos Milojevic stayed calm and said: “We are happy to be in the final and our preparations have been continuing for this match since the beginning of the summer. We do not believe in luck more than hard work.”
Rallying his team while denying any pressure of high hopes, he added: “Competing for two titles this season will not affect us in the final, and we are ready for any competitor. Everyone [of his players] will have to stand up and take more responsibility. We will have to work harder and give their best shot.”
Al Wasl will bank on the dependable trio of Fabio Lima, Ali Saleh and Nicolas Gimenez, while the ambitions of the men in blue will be led by Adel Taarabt, the Colombian Kevin Agudlo, and the Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini. They are missing the services of Youssef Al Ameri due to suspension.
The importance of the summit clash is being felt by everyone, both camps said, in raising the bar at the final step of the “most prestigious” competition, which will have a newly designed trophy in the final hours of the night.
Twelve clubs have won the trophy in the nearly five decades of the tournament, held annually but for couple of exceptions. Shabab Al Ahli and Sharjah are the most successful with 10 victories each.
Other winning sides are Al Ain (seven titles), Al Nasr and Al Shabab (four titles each), Al Jazira (three), Al Wasl, and Al Wahda (two times each), and one title for Al Shaab, Baniyas, Ajman, and the Emirates.
