DUBAI // Grafite, the Al Ahli captain, says the UAE champions cannot afford to drop more points at home this season if they are to have any chance of retaining the title.
The Dubai club have opened the Arabian Gulf League campaign with two victories on the road, but their early form at the Rashid Stadium has been nowhere near as impressive. Thus far, Ahli have been defeated by Al Shabab and held by Ajman in a scoreless draw.
It marks a stark contrast to last season, when Cosmin Olaroiu’s side were commanding at home, winning 11 and drawing one from 13 league matches. Their only defeat was in the fixture against Al Dhafra in January, although the result – originally a 3-1 victory for the hosts – was reversed once it emerged Ahli had fielded an ineligible player. Dhafra were awarded a 3-0 win.
“Of course, it’s been disappointing at home,” Grafite said. “We know the league will not be so easy this season, even when we play in our stadium. But if we want to be champions again we cannot drop points like this.
“The championship is long, but when it comes to the final table you can miss these points. Already, we see in the league that one or two points can make the difference and we’ve dropped five. Maybe come May next year we’ll regret those points, although I hope not. We need to take care.”
Grafite acknowledges a first title in five years means Ahli are now viewed differently among the division’s other clubs. He says, though, that the onus is on his side to provide the answers when facing teams whose sole focus is keeping Ahli at bay. Against a resolute Ajman, who defended in numbers, Ahli clearly struggled.
“It’s normal after we’ve been champions that opponents will be stronger and more determined when they come here, more prepared to not let us play,” Grafite said. “But we should find another way, to find space, create chances.
“We need to work this week because in the next game against Fujairah [on Sunday] we’ll find the same difficulties. We need the three points.”
Grafite conceded the absence of Ciel has impacted the team. The Brazilian forward, who suffered a broken ankle in the league opener at Sharjah, is expected to be out until March, at least. Ahli are actively seeking a replacement before the transfer window shuts Thursday.
However, there was some welcome news on the injury front, with Grafite reporting he is fully recovered from a knee problem that limited his game-time during the past few weeks.
“It’s good,” he said. “After four or five months I’m back to playing 90 minutes. I feel good, I don’t have any more concerns with the knee and now it’s just step-by-step to get to 100 per cent physically.
“After the next match we have the international break, so I can work on it to be at a high level and help the team more.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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