Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa has outlined his ambitions with Shabab Al Ahli ahead of their clash against Sharjah in the EMAAR Super Cup, set to take place on Saturday at Al Maktoum Stadium.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sousa said:
“I came to Shabab Al Ahli to win trophies, and we proved that last season. For me, tomorrow’s Super Cup match is another opportunity to claim a new title and to continue instilling a winning mentality within the players.”
Addressing the team’s readiness, particularly from a psychological standpoint following their recent Asian defeat, Sousa explained:
“There are many factors surrounding this match. This season, our technical and physical demands are higher than last year, and we will also miss Sardar Azmoum, who is undoubtedly an influential player.”
“We have full confidence in all our players. Rotation has been less frequent this season, and we are well aware of the opponent’s strength. We have not lost to Sharjah in normal time this year, only on penalties, which gives me even greater belief in our chances, despite having less recovery time than Sharjah following Asian commitments,” He added.
"We have all the elements required to beat a strong team. Last season we relied on key players such as Sardar, and his absence will force us to adjust our approach,” Sousa continued.
Emphasising the importance of focus, he said: “The mental aspect and concentration will be crucial. There is no team better than Shabab Al Ahli, but fine details make the difference. We always aim to create scoring opportunities and often outperform our opponents in that area. In the upcoming transfer window, we will look to strengthen the squad in line with our ambition to win more trophies.”
Sousa also praised EMAAR, the sponsor of the Super Cup, describing the project as outstanding, and added that he lives in Dubai, loves the city, and always feels at home there.
On the other hand, Sharjah head coach José Morais opened his remarks by saying:
“The atmosphere here is excellent, and we hope the Emaar Super Cup lives up to the scale of the occasion.”
“We are facing a strong team. Both sides have shown a high level on the Asian stage, and we are looking forward to delivering a big performance and giving our maximum on the pitch,” he continued.
Morais highlighted the importance of detail, saying: “The tactical side is vital in matches like this, as they involve many transitions and fine margins. The psychological aspect is also key, and every player must be ready to handle all situations. That is why we give our players significant freedom to express their abilities.”
He concluded: “I spent 10 days with Sharjah and learned many things, one of them being Caio Lucas, who can play in multiple positions and uses his qualities and capabilities for the benefit of the team.”
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