Ricardo Pinto, the executive director of Al-Ittifaq club, expressed great confidence in his team's ability to achieve the goal of staying in the first division of the UAE football league for another season, stating that the team will show its full potential in the upcoming matches. Pinto pointed out that the team's 4-2 victory over City in the last round boosted their ambition. Although Al-Ittifaq is still in last place with 13 points, it is only four points away from the safety zone, with matches against direct competitors for survival ahead. Specifically, Al-Ittifaq will face Majd (14 points) and Al-Jazeera Al-Hamra (17 points) in the next two rounds. Pinto stated that the team is currently focused on direct confrontations in the survival battle, as it has three matches ahead against teams competing for promotion to the top division. He added that the coming weeks will clarify the shape of the competition. Pinto also emphasized that Ahmed Khalil's presence in the team is important not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room, where he represents great value for the team in terms of morale and experience. He described Ahmed Khalile as an exceptional player both on and off the pitch. Despite limited playing time, Khalile has shown great quality in every touch of the ball, and his physical condition is continuously improving. He is expected to play a more significant role in the upcoming matches. Pinto stated that any team facing Al-Ittifaq will have to give their all to achieve a result, as the team will enter every match with the highest level of commitment, desire, and fighting until the last moment to achieve its goal. Regarding the upcoming match against Majd, Pinto described it as a strong match against a good and organized opponent, but he called it the most important for the team this season, as it could completely change Al-Ittifaq's course in the standings.
