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Braga: Tite’s tactics makes it difficult for us

Al Jazira coach Abel Braga said that the draw was a fair result but added that both teams lost two valuable points in the process.

The Capital Derby between Al Jazira and Al Wahda, which drew a crowd of 14,190, ended in a goalless draw in Week 3 of the Etisalat UAE Pro-League at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday night.

“I think the draw was a fair result. It was humid and the weather again affected the players. We missed a lot of opportunities in the first half and Al Wahda relied on counter-attacks. Wahda had nine players defending with even Ismail Matar coming back to reinforce the defence and it was tough penetrating it,” Braga said.

“The two teams lost two points which could help other teams like Al Ain. But having said that, it is still too early in the League,” Braga added.

Braga said Tite’s tactics made it difficult for Jazira. “Wahda coach Tite is a coach who closes play and his players managed to cut off our crosses from the wings. We had a lot of chances but we did not capitalise on them,” he said.

Braga defended his captain Ibrahim Diaky who was kept on a tight leash by Wahda’s Magrao. “The stoppage time didn’t help and it restricted the flow of play. We cannot pressure on our players. They gave their best and captain Ibrahim Diaky did his best. But Wahda’s Magrao is a good player and he managed to keep a tight leash on him,” said Braga.

Braga started the game with new signing Bare and left out Ivorian striker Tony on the bench. With no goals coming, the Brazilian brought in Tony in the last 20 minutes, in place of Bare. But Braga said that he went according to the situation. “Tony entered and immediately made a difference. But Bare started the game and we went according to the situation. And the situation required Tony coming on for Bare,” Braga said.

Braga was pleased with the squad and added there would be reinforcement in the coming weeks. “We have a good squad and Sami Rubaiya might join us in the coming weeks,” he said.

Defender Sami Rubaiya plays for Dubai-based Al Wasl.