Coach Luis Garcia is convinced better days lie ahead for floundering Bani Yas as he attempts to snap a four-match losing streak in the Arabian Gulf League tonight.
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The Sky Blues have slumped down to eighth, conceding 12 goals during a painful run of defeats. Question marks had arisen about the Spaniard’s position after the previous reversal at Al Shabab last Friday, but the club hierarchy moved quickly to insist he will be in situ next term regardless.
This long-term show of faith will be tested again this evening when red-hot Al Wasl travel to Abu Dhabi.
Led by ex-Bani Yas boss Gabriel Calderon, the Cheetahs have surged up to sixth spot during a stellar spell which began with a 4-0 thrashing of AGL champions Al Ahli on February 13.
The two sides could hardly be in more contrasting form, the visitors taking 10 points from the last available 12.
But Garcia remained undaunted, insisting his troops will come out of their slump a stronger outfit. He said: ”We were fifth in the league [in December] and achieved good results and wins. We got to the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup, but we are now in the presence of a difficult phase.
“It will end soon, the bad luck as you have seen. But we still have time to work and build the foundation of a new strong team for the next season.”
Bani Yas renewed confidence in Garcia pic.twitter.com/aXjTRConYR
— Arabian Gulf League (@AGL_Sports) March 15, 2015
Wasl’s steady upturn since Calderon took the reins in October has accelerated since regista Hugo Viana was finally able to make his long-delayed debut following three months of bureaucratic problems.
The Portugal international’s presence has helped forward Fabio De Lima blossom, the Brazilian’s eight goals in his last four games making him the division’s in-form player.
Calderon has spoken boldly of crashing the top four and securing continental qualification, remaining on message in his pre-match press conference.
“There are no easy games, and we have to be fully serious if we want to win at Bani Yas,” said Calderon, who led the Sky Blues to the AFC Champions League knockout stage for the first time during a successful spell in charge between November 2011 and May 2012.
“Our ambition is to reach the first four places and participate in Asian competition, for this every game remaining is a final for us.”
Meanwhile, third-placed Shabab will look to keep up the pressure on the leaders when they make the short trip to Sharjah. This should not be a walkover for Caio Junior’s men, the rapidly improving King’s 1-1 draw against Emirates Club last time out ending a three-match winning streak.
“With Shabab, it is always a difficult match,” said Sharjah boss Paulo Bonamigo, who lifted both the GCC Club Cup and AGC while in charge of his imminent opponents from 2009-12.
“We are suffering from a number of absences, but this will not prevent us from playing in the same balanced way. Shabab have performed at a fixed level, playing well since the start of the season.”
The day’s final fixture sees thirdbottom Fujairah attempt to end any lingering relegation worries when they travel to last-placed Ittihad Kalba.
