Football is not without mistakes. It is more important for Al-Ain to address its technical problems first

Sports analyst Subit Khater confirmed that the 18th round of the professional league brought with it exceptional excitement at the level of the leadership struggle, as well as in the battle to escape relegation, pointing out that the features of the second round began to appear completely different from the first half of the season, in light of the rise in the technical system, and the development of a number of teams on the tactical and mental levels, at a time when he pointed out that Al Ain’s complaint about arbitration despite the victory over Khor Fakkan (3-2) is a message of support to the team’s players mentally in the journey of competing for the league title.

Subit Khater told Emirates Today: “As we enter the second round of the league, the calculations begin to take a more precise curve, because each team has learned its strengths and weaknesses,” explaining that “the competition this season is not limited to two teams only, but extends to include clubs that have also regained their balance and raised the quality of their performance, which made the scene more complex and difficult to predict.”

He added: “If we talk about the summit, we find that the competition between Shabab Al-Ahly and Al-Ain is like a game of musical chairs, a constant exchange of pressure and attempts to impose personality, as the two teams have reached an advanced stage of technical and tactical maturity, and the work provided by the two coaches is very clear on the field, whether in transitions or in managing the format of the matches.”

He continued: “Al Ain in particular has begun to regain many of its features, and the players are improving significantly, and the coach has reached important convictions after several experiences, but at the same time it cannot be ignored that conceding four goals in two matches against teams such as Baniyas and Khor Fakkan is an indicator that must be stopped, because the teams competing for the title cannot give their opponents these spaces.”

He added: “With regard to what was raised about arbitration and Khaled Issa’s statements, I see that football is not devoid of errors, but it is difficult to confirm the presence of intentional injustice, as the referee is subject to evaluation and oversight, and with the presence of video technology, errors have become few, and it is difficult for them to occur, and if there is an administrative directive to talk about a specific matter, this falls within the framework of conveying a message, but the most important thing is for the team to address its technical problems first.”

He talked about the decisive point in the title race, saying: “I always say that the league is won by the team with the strongest defense. You may score a lot, but if you concede goals at the same pace, you will not settle into the lead… Look at Shabab Al-Ahly, their defensive system is integrated and their conceding goals is very limited, and this is a great advantage in a long race.”

He continued: “In the race to avoid relegation to the first division, there is also excitement no less than the summit, as Baniyas has performed well in the recent period, and even in its exit from the cup against Al Jazira, it appeared in an organized and stable manner that reflects a clear work of art. “The relegation teams this season are fighting and do not give up easily.”

He referred to Al-Jazira’s awakening, saying: “Al-Jazira came back strong in important matches, and the big win restored confidence to the players. There is no doubt that Nabil Fekir’s return to his level was remarkable, because the player is always the foundation, and when he regains his confidence, this is directly reflected in the team’s performance.”

He explained: “Unity should not attach any decline to the departure of Jose Moraes, as the team has previously played great matches even in more difficult circumstances, and we must look at the issue of player rotation and physical pressure between tournaments, and it cannot compete locally and continentally at the same pace without careful management of effort.”

Regarding Sharjah, he said: “He made a clear sacrifice when he allowed coach Olario Cosmin to leave to train the national team. This is a step taken into account by the administration, and the team has elite elements and great experience, and I am confident that it is capable of returning strongly if it regains its full focus.”

Subit Khater concluded his speech: “Al-Wasl has clear technical capabilities, but sometimes the problem is more mental than technical. When the player enters the field, he must forget everything related to contracts or external pressures, and the league today includes professional management and accumulated experience, and if work continues in this manner, we will witness competition until the last round, whether for the title or in the battle for survival.”

Spit Khater:

• Unity should not attach any decline to the peg of Moraes’ departure.

• Al-Ahly and Al-Ain youth have reached an advanced stage of technical and tactical maturity.