The head coach of Sharjah, Jose Morais, confirmed that the team's chances of qualifying for the next round of the AFC Champions League are still alive, despite the loss to Al-Hilal. He emphasized that the team is moving in the right direction.
Morais stated that the team needs time, patience, and consistency in their work to return to winning ways after a period without positive results. In response to a question about what Sharjah needs to regain its balance, the coach said that the players worked hard in the three days leading up to the match against Al-Hilal, noting a noticeable improvement in the team's performance.
He described Sharjah's upcoming match against Shabab Al-Ahli in the Super Cup as a "good challenge" for the team, especially after the loss to Al-Hilal, while at the same time expressing his happiness at working for Sharjah.
"I am happy to be working at Sharjah because I find myself among people who work and fight for life, and this is my way too. I fight for my life, and that is why I am here," Morais told "Al-Ittihad".
He added: "I understand the path we are on and where we need to get to, and I have seen interesting things, especially regarding the development of the team's performance."
Morais believes that the Sharjah players made a great effort against Al-Hilal, despite the short preparation period since he recently took charge of the team. He confirmed that there are many positive aspects to build upon in the upcoming stage.
The Sharjah coach thanked the club's fans for the great support they gave the team during the match against Al-Hilal, stressing the importance of this support in the coming period.
Regarding the challenges he faces after moving to Sharjah from Al-Wahda, Morais explained that he is currently focusing on his work with the team and studying the changes that can be implemented, noting that he has adapted to the circumstances in a way he sees as appropriate for achieving success.
Sharjah lost 0-1 at home to Saudi Al-Hilal in the sixth round of the AFC Champions League, which complicated "King's" calculations in the race to reach the quarter-finals. Sharjah's points tally is now frozen at 7, temporarily placing them in seventh place, while Al-Hilal continues to top the group with a perfect record (18 points).
