Braga: We are aware of what is needed from us at this point of the league

Al Jazira 1st football team coach Abel Braga stressed the importance of Al Jazira match against rival Al Ahli at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in the 15th week of Etisalat Pro-League on Thursday 31 March at 8:30pm. In the pre-match conference, Braga said that he is aware of what is required from him at this stage of the league from taking the team towards their first league title. "We are aware what is needed from us at this stage. We play all our matches as they are our decisive matches, knowing that all the teams try to be at their best when playing with us," he said. Braga noted that Al Ahli are one of the best teams in the UAE. "Al Ahli three lines have great players; their defence have experienced players like Kanavaro. In the attack there are the two Khalil brothers. Rivalry is what distinguishes this match. We are demanded to give a good performance and get what we need from the match," he explained. Braga called upon Al Jazira fans to come and support the players, saying: "Having a good time during the next match is guaranteed, especially that the two teams play good football and are able to provide an outstanding and thrilling game to the spectators here at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium." Speaking of Diaky, Braga said: "Diaky led the team to victory in many occasions. It is natural to see his level of play decline. But what happened is that the real strikers were able to score in many occasions." Braga defended the defence of the team during Al Wahda match as saying: "The two goals in which Al Jazira received during Al Wahda match were a mistake in controlling the ball in the first goal and the exaggeration of the players in their celebration in scoring their second goal. I pushed Sami Rubaya into the field instead of Saleh Basheer because Rubaya is fast and can catch up with the striker of Al Wahda, whereas Bashir is good in handling the ball. Every player has his own features and I depend on the line-up of the rival in setting up my starting line-up."