Walter Zenga: Jazira keep AGL hopes alive

Walter Zenga 04:14 24/03/2015
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  • Second-half fight back: Jonathan Pitroipa (r) and Mirko Vucinic scored twice each in a 4-2 win at Al Nasr.

    This was a most-important round for Al Jazira, the victory against Al Nasr keeping up the pressure in the title race. The Pride of Abu Dhabi trailed 1-0 at half-time, coming back through braces from Mirko Vucinic and Jonathan Pitroipa to win 4-2.

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    Looking at the game you would think coach Eric Gerets made all the difference at half-time, but it was key that 23-goal topscorer Vucinic actually decided to turn up in the second half.

    I joke, but the difference between the striker’s performance was not just the fact he scored in the second half. He influences his team-mates with the way he is, how he holds himself and gets involved in the match. This is vital.

    Jazira beat a tricky team in Nasr – although they are not the team they were before they won the Arabian Gulf Cup – and have bottom-placed Ittihad Kalba next.

    It is tougher for leaders Al Ain, who face the biggest disappointment of the season, Al Ahli, twice in a row in the Super Cup and AGL.

    Elsewhere, I was at the stadium to see Bani Yas end a four-match losing streak in heart-breaking fashion – conceding an injury-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Al Wasl. The Sky Blues for me are a team who have hit an impasse. Luis Garcia has a good squad, but they are in a difficult position. 

    Every different coach has their own individual style. Some are outside the team, some have excellent relationships with the players. Some are relaxed, while others talk a lot. The coach is the soul of the team. The relationship between the coach, his squad, the board members and the fans is vital. This is key for how Bani Yas will recover from the disappointment of conceding a last-minute goal.

    We have six games left to play after the international break. Some clubs like Bani Yas, Al Wasl and Al Nasr have absolutely nothing to play for in the table.

    It will be very interesting to see how they do, can they turn their form on again for when the President’s Cup begins in May?

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