Al Wasl Club held the pre-match press conference for the first football team’s encounter against their visitors, Al Ain, as part of the ADIB Cup-play Off. The team’s head coach, Mr. Rui Vitória, and striker Mehdi Taremi spoke during the conference.

Vitoria confirmed Al Wasl’s readiness to face Al Ain, pointing out that the team is looking forward to delivering a strong performance and starting its campaign in the competition well.

He said during the conference: "It is the third match we will play within ten days. Once again, we will play at home. Of course, at home we feel a little more comfortable, and we will also play in front of our fans."

He continued: "It will of course be a difficult match because it is against a good opponent, but I believe that these matches create circumstances that represent a challenge for us, and we need to take on this challenge, and we also need to develop and work hard."

He explained that the difference between this competition and the league does not change the level of responsibility placed on the team, saying: "It is a different competition, but the responsibility is the same. We have to do what we need to do because we are a big team, and we will also face a big team."

He continued: "I think it will be a good match, as it was a few days ago against Al Ain in the league. Therefore, let us play the match with ambition and try to start this competition well."

He concluded his statements: "It will be difficult, as I said. Al Ain is a team with quality, but we have prepared for the match, of course not with all the players, because some of them have joined the UAE national team. But with the players we have, we will form a team capable of playing this match and fighting for the three points."

For his part, Al Wasl first-team striker Mehdi Taremi confirmed the team’s readiness to play the match, saying: "In my opinion, there is no friendly match. Every match for us is a difficult match, especially against Al Ain. It is not about the cup, but about the two clubs, Al Wasl and Al Ain."

He concluded: "It does not matter who will play. Our focus is on winning the match because of the character and identity. Therefore, we have to send a message that we are here and that we are capable, and at home, we are the ones who decide who will win. For this reason, we need to maintain our focus throughout the 90 minutes and be prepared to be ready for the match."