Collective spirit is our strong point: Sow

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Collective spirit is our strong point: Sow
Moussa Sow and teammates during the training camp.

Published: Tue 2 Aug 2016, 9:15 PM

Last updated: Wed 3 Aug 2016, 12:30 AM

dubai - dubai - Al Ahli's Moussa Sow has said that the team's collective spirit and togetherness will be a strong factor in the Red Knights' title defence of the Arabian Gulf League.The Red Knights clinched a seventh piece of silverware in the UAE top flight last term and Sow believes their "successul experience" in the pre-season training camps in Italy and then Germany will hold them in good stead.
"The collective spirit and togetherness among everyone in the camp is the secret of the team's strength," Sow told the club's official website."The camp is going well and all the players in the camp have responded well to the strategy developed by coach Cosmin Olaroiu. The most important feature is the atmosphere in the camp, which is one of being like a family. The players, coach and the coaching staff are all on the same page and each and everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in making it a success. The camp has been a successful experience so far," added the Senegalese international.
Al Ahli won their friendly against an Inter Milan Under-21 side with Moussa Sow and Rodrigo Lima scoring in the Red Knights' 2-1 victory. Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu tried out two formations during the game and also tried out a number of young players to guage where they stand.
Sow was pleased to have scored in the win but said that the most important thing was the they were able to successfully employ Olaroiu's tactics and strategy. "It was a good game for us but the most important thing was that we were able to follow the coaching staff's instructions. We were successful in terms of tactics and also the fitness levels shown were very high," said Sow, who had joined Al Ahli from Turkish club Fenerbahce last season.
Meanwhile, club mate and winger Everton Ribeiro too echoed Sow in heaping praise about the atmosphere in the camp."We have great enthusiasm and motivation for the new season," Ribeiro said.
"There is a wonderful atmosphere in the camp and coach Cosmin Olaroiu and his staff have played a major role in the rehabilitation of the players to make a strong football season. We hope we can translate that into the desired results and keep our fans happy," added the Brazilian international.
Ribeiro also said that some of the young players who were given the opportunity in the friendly against Inter Milan Under-21, will help make the squad even stronger.
"The young players who are part of the camp and who played in the friendly, gave a good account of themselves and will have a great future with the team. They have shown enthusiasm and strong motivation to play and are also willing to work hard during training. I hope they can put in a strong showing and book their place in the starting line-up," said the 27-year-old.
Ribeiro also said that the players can't wait to get the season started with the Arabian Gulf Super Cup against President's Cup winners Al Jazira."Everyone is waiting for that game. We are working well and doing a good job. Everyone is optimistic about the Super Cup and we hope to offer the gift to our fans at the start of the season," he said.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli are set to play Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt in a friendly at 7.30 p.m UAE time on Wednesday.
The camp in Italy will run until August 5. Thereafter, the squad will travel to Munich, Germany and have another camp before returning to Dubai on August 20.
james@khaleejtimes.com

By James Jose

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