The coach of Al-Zafra, Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic, considers occupying seventh place with 16 points at the end of the first round of the ADNOC Professional League to be a good and great achievement, especially since his team was promoted from the amateur league this season. Al-Zafra concluded the first round with a 1-1 draw against Ajman in an exciting match. Brazilian Marcelo Felho scored the equalizer in the final minute of the game, marking the team's first draw this season, compared to five wins and seven losses. Zeljko Petrovic, the coach of Al-Zafra, nominated Al-Shabab Al-Ahli to win the ADNOC Professional League title this season, considering it the closest to clinching the title. In statements to "Al-Ittihad," he stated that Al-Shabab Al-Ahli has the upper hand in the title race, is the closest to winning the league due to the high quality of its players, an excellent technical staff, and a playing style different from other league teams, which relies on an attacking approach and constant pressure, making it the top candidate for the title. He added: "This does not mean that Al-Ain will be out of the competition at any stage of the league, as it will remain a competitor until the final rounds, and it may achieve the title as it is a big club with a clear philosophy based on balance and organization, and dealing with big matches with a defensive style, in addition to its clear vision for the future and building the team on solid foundations." Regarding the chances of Al-Wahda, Al-Wasl, and Al-Jazira in the title race, Petrovic clarified that "these teams always remain within the circle of competition," describing some of them as "sleeping giants" capable of appearing strongly in any season, especially given the huge financial capabilities they possess compared to other clubs with smaller budgets. He said: "The current point difference makes the race for the top open and exciting, and the upcoming rounds may witness many fluctuations in the standings, especially if the results of the second round of the league continue as they were in the first." Petrovic also touched upon his team's journey in the first round, saying: "Of course, what we achieved during our journey in the first round is good and great, to harvest 16 points and finish the first round in seventh place. I believe that no one expected this, especially since we were promoted this season from the amateur league." He added: "The successes achieved by Al-Zafra are not only due to the technical staff, but the administration also played a major role in these successes, thanks to the stability and great support the team receives on the administrative level, and most importantly, the positive atmosphere in the dressing room. The players remained united at all times and gave their all in training and matches, which is the most important thing for me." Petrovic pointed out the challenges the team faced, explaining: "We went through difficult stages in the first round, especially in the last matches, after the injury of more than one player we relied on heavily, especially on the front line, as we missed the services of Moroccan striker Karim El-Barkawi since his participation in the last Arab Cup. Despite that, the players managed to compensate for those absences, and we maintained our performance and positive results." He continued: "So far, we have not guaranteed our stay in the Professional League, and we still need to earn more points, and I think that when we reach the 20-point mark, things may become largely secure." Regarding his future with Al-Zafra (Al-Fursan Al-Gharbiya), and whether there is an agreement with the administration to renew his contract, Petrovic said: "So far, I have not agreed with the administration on any matters related to renewal, and my contract expires at the end of this current season. On a personal level, I wish to reside for as long as possible here in the UAE, whether with Al-Zafra or with any other club, and the coming days may reveal many things that I hope will be positive."
