Al-Wahda and national team player Caio Canedo affirmed that the team's victory over Ajman in the 18th round of the Pro League came at a perfect time, following a series of unsatisfactory results in recent matches across various competitions. He stressed that the team was fully aware of the importance of securing the three points to restore confidence before upcoming crucial matches, most notably against Shabab Al-Ahli and Bani Yas in the league, and against Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in the AFC Elite League of Champions. Canedo highlighted that Al-Wahda is playing with pragmatism in the domestic league, while its Asian ambitions are significant.
Currently, Al-Wahda sits in third place in the league standings with 33 points, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ain, and has a postponed match. The team has also reached the Round of 16 in the AFC Elite League and awaits a match against Al-Ittihad, which was postponed due to the current situation.
Caio told "Al-Ittihad Al-Youm" that the team entered the Ajman match with a clear mindset that only accepted victory. "The team will face its most important phase of the season in the upcoming period," he said. "The recent matches were not up to expectations in terms of results or technical stability. In response, the players felt a multiplied responsibility towards the fans and the club to correct the course before the upcoming obligations."
He added: "We knew that any result other than a win would increase the pressure on us, so we approached the match with high concentration from the first minute. We needed this victory not just for the points, but to restore the spirit and confidence in the dressing room, especially since we are facing very strong matches in the league and in the AFC Champions League."
Continuing, Canedo noted: "We must continue to develop to climb the league standings, while also focusing on the continental tournament. The knockout stage is completely different in terms of level and rhythm. We will face a team with outstanding elements and great experience, and we need to be at the peak of our physical and mental readiness if we want to achieve a positive result."
He emphasized: "Our ambition in the AFC Elite League of Champions is big. We did not reach this stage just to participate. We dream of going far in the tournament, and we have proven during our journey that we are capable of competing with the strongest teams. However, the current stage does not tolerate mistakes; it is a single opportunity that we must make the most of."
Caio also appealed to the fans: "We need strong fan support in the upcoming period. We represent not only the club but also Emirati football in general. When we play in this tournament, we feel that we carry the name of the nation. The presence of fans in the stands gives us an additional boost and makes the difference in such big encounters, and we need the support of the fans in the league for the team to continue its winning streak."
Speaking about the domestic league, Canedo said the title race is still on. "We know the size of the responsibility we carry, and we understand the value of the shirt we wear. Therefore, we will fight in every match to make Al-Wahda fans happy and achieve our goals this season. If we cannot compete for the title, then we must be more realistic and at least secure a high position by competing for second or third place."
He explained: "We are realistic and know that the road is not easy, but we will not give up. Our goal in the upcoming period is to collect as many points as possible and correct the mistakes that cost us dearly in the past rounds. A team of Al-Wahda's caliber should always be in the top positions."
Ca concluded by addressing the coaching staff: "The start of the season was good, then the level dropped slightly. This happens in football, especially with a change of coaching staff. There is no doubt that each coach has a different philosophy and style, and we are trying to quickly adapt to the ideas of the current coach, who has not had enough time yet, but he works with us daily to develop performance."
He finished on a positive note: "I fully understand the anger of the fans, and we inside the team feel the same frustration when we don't win. But I can assure you that everyone is working very hard to get the team back on the right track. The point gap may make the task difficult, but we are required to play match after match without looking too far ahead."
