Leading “first” does not mean decisiveness

The United team will be a guest at Hatta, at 05:40 pm today, at the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium at the Hatta Club, in a postponed match from the 21st round of the First Division Football League.

Today’s match is important as it brings together two direct competitors seeking to advance to the professional league. Hatta occupies fifth place with 34 points, while United leads the standings with 43 points.

United had bid farewell to the President’s Cup, after losing to Al Ain 0-2 in the semi-finals last Sunday.

For his part, United club president, Moldovan Elie Sabiano, confirmed that his team is dealing with great caution in the remainder of the current season of the First Division League, despite topping the standings, stressing that resolution has not yet been achieved, and that the focus is on each match separately.

Sabiano told Emirates Al-Youm: “The loss to Al-Ain was emotional, and the players felt disappointed, which is normal for a team with great ambitions. We calmly analyzed the match, learned lessons, and considered it part of the development process. The technical staff and players dealt with professionalism, and the focus was quickly shifted towards our goals in the league.”

He added: “Two difficult matches await us against Hatta and Dibba Al-Hisn, and the preparations have been focused and intense. We respect all competitors, and are focusing on our performance, discipline and quality of play. Our goal is to maintain the lead and ensure advancement to the professional league.”

He continued: “The current difference is positive, but it does not mean decisiveness. There are still important matches, and we are dealing with the remaining rounds with caution and respect for all competitors, especially at this sensitive stage of the season.

Regarding the Hatta confrontation, he explained: “Our preparations focus on discipline and progression step by step. The players and technical staff work professionally. We are satisfied with the commitment, and we seek to maintain continuity and focus until the end of the season.”

Sabiano described the team’s development this season as a result of stability, organization, and teamwork within the club, revealing that there are ongoing discussions and exchanges of opinions with the team’s coach, the Italian Andrea Pirlo, which enhances harmony between management and the technical staff.

He concluded his speech by saying: “The bench is an important element in a long season. We have a balanced group, and every player understands his role. The substitutes have proven their ability to contribute when needed, which helps maintain the team’s level.”