Wounded Sharjah up for revenge to 'get the trophy they deserve' in ACL2
After losing the United Arab Emirates President's Cup final and ceding the UAE Pro League to Shabab Al-Ahli in a winless run of five games, Sharjah FC's season looked like it was going pear-shaped after a promising start.
Wounded they may be, but the Emirati club could be dangerous as they attempt to salvage their campaign with their first piece of continental silverware when they face hosts Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final at Bishan Stadium on May 18.
At the pre-match press conference on May 17, Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu said: "We always learn from every game, and we knew this would be a very tough season for us and we are going to struggle a lot.
"By the work of these fantastic players, we are in the ACL2 final, which is a big achievement for the club. Now we have the last battle, our last final, and we have to focus.
"We didn't deserve to lose the President's Cup final, but now it's time to take revenge and get the trophy the players deserve. We come here with the idea to take the trophy, and try not to disappoint our fans and families. We should be able to make one more effort, it doesn't matter how much it will cost us, to try to win this game."
Before a ball had been kicked, the visitors went on the offensive as early as April.
They had asked the organisers for "the allocation of a suitable stadium worthy of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League 2 final", citing concerns over the Jalan Besar Stadium's 6,000 capacity and artificial pitch - the facility was used for the tournament's earlier rounds.
The final was eventually moved to Bishan Stadium, which underwent upgrades to spruce up the natural turf, increase the capacity from around 3,000 to 10,000, and improve the lighting.
Sharjah forward Caio Lucas said: "Sometimes it's hard to play on an artificial pitch, that's why we complained about that."
Olaroiu added: "My point of view is that the final should be in a much proper stadium with a bigger capacity, because football is for the fans. Of course, all the other things like the quality of the pitch should have maximum standards, because it's a final and it is publicity for football in Asia.
"They have made big efforts to fix these problems, and now we are here... our target is to win. We have to follow what we have to do and forget about all the other things."
The team arrived in Singapore on May 14 with a full squad, including Brazil-born Emiratis like fullback Marcus Meloni and attackers Luanzinho and Lucas.
Despite recent domestic struggles, they have shown fighting spirit in the second-tier Asian club competition, winning in the round of 16 and quarter-finals on penalties - with goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani making four shoot-out saves - and coming from behind to beat Al-Taawoun in the semi-finals.
Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being "well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front".
Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being "well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front". PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The 55-year-old Romanian added: "They know how to use the spaces in transition. We have to take them seriously and with a lot of professionalism. Tomorrow, the team that find a way to have more self-control, play with maximum potential and peak in the final will win, and we hope it will be us."
Sharjah will also be looking to give Olaroiu the perfect send-off, as the coach will take over the UAE national team from their next World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi on June 5.
Caio said: "We try our best in every game to listen to what coach tells us and win each match. It will be a pleasure for us to give him this win and trophy."
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