ABU DHABI // After a miserable start to the season that has seen the team lose six of their eight games in all competitions, Baniyas are hoping for a change in fortunes under new manager Jose Gomes.
Gomes replaced Uruguayan Pablo Repetto within hours of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Hatta in the Arabian Gulf League, and the Portuguese has a tough first hurdle to overcome in the form of Al Jazira, unbeaten in the league in three matches so far.
Gomes acknowledged the difficult task they face on Thursday at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium but said he and his players are ready for the challenge.
“In football, it is always a challenge. I like to challenge myself and my players are ready for it, too,” he said in his first meeting with the media.
“We are up against a strong team that is challenging for the title, but I’m sure my players can rise to the occasion. I have some quality players and have full faith in their potential and capabilities. They are ready to change the image of the club from the situation we are in now.”
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Henk ten Cate, the Jazira manager, said he believed a new manager can bring about a positive change for Baniyas.
“It is a new incentive for the players to present the new manager with the best possible impression of themselves,” the Dutchman said.
“And they don’t need more motivation than a first win for the season. They will be all out to achieve that result with whomever they are playing. We will treat them with respect.
“However, having said that, we too feel very confident of a win. We don’t have any absentees for this game.”
Ailton Almeida and Joao Carlos, Jazira’s new Brazilian signings, are both set to be named in the line-up after they came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Hatta.
In the other games on Thursday, Al Wasl play Sharjah at the Zabeel Stadium and Al Dhafra will be looking for their first points of the campaign when they host Kalba at the Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium.
On Friday, Al Ahli and Al Shabab, both with 100 per cent records, meet at the Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium. Al Wahda are at home to Al Nasr, who have lost their last three matches, while Hatta play second-bottom Emirates Club.
Cosmin Olaroiu, the Ahli manager, said unbeaten Shabab will be their toughest test so far in the league.
“For a side that has 12 points from four games, Shabab seems to be in excellent form,” he said.
“They look a side that everyone needs to beat.”
“We have nine points from three games and we want to take that momentum forward, too.”
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