Al Jazira head coach Henk ten Cate has described his side’s President’s Cup clash with Sharjah as “do or die”.
It’s been a wretched campaign for the Pride of Abu Dhabi, who slumped to a seventh-placed league finish.
That followed on from an admirable second-placed finish last season under Belgian Eric Gerets.
Jazira were expected to go one better this season under returning hero Abel Braga, but the Brazilian was sacked in December following a miserable homecoming which yielded just three wins in 16 games in all competitions.
Dutchman Ten Cate has steadied the ship in 2016 and insists his team are determined to stake a claim for redemption in the competition.
“The team is very hungry, determined to do something,” said Ten Cate, who has steered Jazira towards a semblance of respectability since replacing Braga in December.
Jazira's long wait for trophies
- Al Jazira won back-to-back President's Cups in 2010-11 and 2011-12
- They have not lifted a trophy since
- After finishing second in the AGL last season, a woeful campaign in 2015-16 saw them slide to seventh
“The team wants to win something and this is our only way to do so.
“We are ready to play a tough opponent, who are well organised and structured. It’s the cup which is always different as it’s one game, a knockout.
“The way we play I don’t care, it’s about the result and we have to take a result. It’s do or die. Either we go to the semi-finals or we go home.”
Jazira signed off for the Arabian Gulf League season on Sunday with a 1-0 home victory against Al Dhafra, with only one foreign signing, Thiago Neves in the starting 11.
Kenwyne Jones, Park Jong-woo and Angel Lafita started on the bench, but Ten Cate claimed he neither favours his foreign or Emirati contingent, with only promising youngster Ahmed Rabeya not in contention for today’s game.
“I don’t look at foreign, local, old or young players, I will pick the best team,” said Ten Cate ahead of the game at Al Ain’s Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium.
Jazira ended the season with a 1-0 AGL win against Al Dhafra
“It can be with one, four or no foreigners. The ones who show best form in games and in training will play. I don’t have a preference for foreigners. I only look at who’s good, If you’re good you will play. The best players will play, the best team will play.”
The King narrowly avoided relegation, but Ten Cate is expecting a stern test, and singled Brazilian striker Wanderley out for praise.
The 27-year-old scored 15 goals in 26 AGL games this season.
“They have good people up front, especially Wanderley. He is very solid, works hard but can also create. He scored 15 goals and it is something to think about,” said Ten Cate, who said the fact Jazira have played more games than Sharjah this season will actually benefit his side.
“I will only see this as an advantage, playing more games,” he said.
“Since Sharjah last time we have improved a lot. We drew 2-2 in my second game but team has improved a lot. We’re positive about a good result but cannot underestimate them. We need to fight and work hard.”