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Al Nasr, Shabab Al Ahli clash in Dubai Derby

Dubai - Krunoslav Jurcic has an even tougher assignment as The Blues coach

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After successfully beginning life as Al Nasr coach Krunoslav Jurcic faces another big test in the Arabian Gulf League this weekend.
Jurcic, who oversaw his first game in charge of The Blues against Al Wahda last week, sees his side go up against Shabab Al Ahli in a Dubai Derby at the Al Maktoum Stadium on Friday night.
The 3-1 verdict against The Clarets was their first win of the season following a draw and two defeats under Caio Zanardi.
Jurcic, who guided Bani Yas to a sixth-place finish last term, was jettisoned to the post in the aftermath and the Croatian has begun well.
But Jurcic, who formerly managed Dinamo Zagreb apart from being assistant coach of Croatia during Euro 2012, will have an even tougher assignment when his team square off against second-placed Shabab Al Ahli.
 "We have an important match like all games, but this match is a little different because it is a derby game," Jurcic said in his pre-match briefing.
"We respect Shabab Al Ahli, who have a group of outstanding players and who have achieved outstanding results during the last season. As for the Al Wahda match, as I said earlier, I don't have a magic wand to change the position of the team, '' he added.
Al Nasr are ninth on the table but the 49-year-old still believes that The Blues have a shot at the League title.
"The chance of victory in the League is still there and I am here for this task. I hope that all the players will fight and give their all in this game in order to win and collect three points," said Jurcic.
Al Wasl and Al Jazira will play their games on Sunday as they are involved in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 

FIXTURES:

THURSDAY:
Ajman vs Al Wahda, Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, 6.15 p.m
Hatta vs Sharjah, Hamdan bin Rashid Stadium, 9 p.m
FRIDAY:
Fujairah vs Al Ain, Fujairah Stadium, 6.15 p.m
Bani Yas vs Khor Fakkan, Bani Yas Stadium, 6.15 p.m
Al Nasr vs Shabab Al Ahli, Al Maktoum Stadium, 9 p.m
SUNDAY:
Al Dhafra vs Al Wasl, Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium, 6.15 p.m
Al Jazira vs Ittihad Kalba, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, 9 p.m

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