Battaeh Coach Shares Insights on Playing with 10 Players in Crucial Final Minutes Against Khor Fakkan

Al Bataeh Coach Majidi Eyes Greater Potential Despite Victory Over Khor Fakkan

Iranian coach Farhad Majidi expressed cautious optimism following Al Bataeh's 2-1 victory over Khor Fakkan in the UAE's ADNOC Pro League, suggesting his team has untapped potential despite securing their first win of the season. The victory comes after a disappointing 2-1 opening loss to Al Ain, marking a crucial bounce-back moment for the club.

Tactical Lessons from Early Season Struggles

Majidi's post-match analysis revealed deeper concerns about his team's tactical execution, particularly referencing their season opener against Al Ain. "If we had played against Al Ain in the opening round with tactical intelligence, the result would have been better," the experienced coach admitted, highlighting the fine margins that separate success from failure in the UAE's top flight.

This self-critical assessment suggests Majidi is building a culture of continuous improvement at Al Bataeh, a club that has historically struggled to establish consistency in the highly competitive ADNOC Pro League.

Squad Depth Challenges Emerge Early

The victory over Khor Fakkan came despite notable absences, with key players Anatoly and Mohammed Jumaa unavailable for selection. Majidi praised his squad's adaptability, stating that "the rest of the team elements provided the required performance" in their absence.

Late Drama Tests Team Resilience

Al Bataeh's character was truly tested in the match's closing stages when they were forced to play with ten men. The situation arose after Abdul Aziz Heikal requested a substitution due to injury concerns, but Majidi had already exhausted his allocated changes.

"Usually we leave one or two players for such cases, but the player requested the change after feeling an injury," Majidi explained, acknowledging a tactical oversight that could prove costly against stronger opposition.

Building Blocks for Long-Term Success

Despite the victory, Majidi's measured response suggests he recognizes the significant work ahead. His emphasis on "tactical discipline" and "fighting spirit" indicates a coach focused on foundational elements rather than being swept away by early-season results.

The Iranian tactician's experience in Middle Eastern football, combined with his realistic assessment of his team's current capabilities, positions Al Bataeh as a potentially interesting project to monitor throughout the season. His belief that the team "can offer more in upcoming matches" suggests ambitions that extend beyond mere survival in the top flight.

For Al Bataeh supporters, Majidi's blend of pragmatism and optimism offers hope that this season could mark a turning point for a club seeking to establish itself among the UAE's football elite.