Croatian coach Alen Horvat, head coach of Al Dhafra Club’s first football team, said his team faces another difficult challenge in the second round of the ADNOC Pro League, following their opening-round match against Sharjah.

He made the remarks during the pre-match press conference for Shabab Al Ahli game, held Thursday evening in the press conference room at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Madinat Zayed. Horvat discussed the team’s preparations for the match and was accompanied by Al Dhafra player Regi Lushkja.

Al Dhafra coach added that their opponents are a big name in the league and are considered among the contenders for the title.

Horvat confirmed that Al Dhafra are ready for the match, noting that the players had worked hard throughout the week and shown positive energy.

He finally added that the team continues to make progress in its work, with the aim of improving as the days go by.

For his part, Regi Lushkja acknowledged the difficulty of Shabab Al Ahli match, saying that the team had completed its preparations and would work to implement the instructions of the coach and technical staff.

The Albanian player also called on the team’s fans to attend the match, stressing that the team hopes to achieve the best possible results during the season and that the supporters are considered the team’s “12th player.”