Cajuda relieved that win comes after cup upset

SHARJAH // Manuel Cajuda, Sharjah's Portuguese coach, was relieved to see his side defeat Dubai after the shock midweek President's Cup loss to lowly Masafi. "After that defeat, this was always going to be a difficult game," Cajuda said. "The players are human and they have feelings, they did not like losing to Masafi. It hurt them a lot. Now the players have it off their backs; things were out of place and everyone connected with the club knew it was a very silly game for us to lose."

Cajuda hailed the performance of winger Robert Luciano Brito, a scorer against Masafi, whose surges down the left flank against Dubai catalysed the home side's early swagger. The Brazilian's influence waned as the game went on, although Cajuda failed to concede that his tactical ploy in switching the left-footed flier to the right wing had negated Sharjah's initial gusto. He said he likes to have forwards interchange positions. "I am a fan of total football," he said. "The way we play is a treat for the public, it is open and attacking football."

He added: "My mission here is to improve football in the Emirates. Slowly we can do it."