Mujahid: Defeat Against Al-Nasr Doesn't Reflect Match's Reality; Substitutes Underperformed Starters

Al-Bataeh Coach Defends Team Performance Despite Cup Exit to Al-Nassr

Iranian coach Farhad Majidi insists his Al-Bataeh side deserved better than their 3-2 defeat to Al-Nassr in the UAE Pro League Cup second leg, claiming his team dominated play despite falling short in the crucial moments. The loss ended Al-Bataeh's cup campaign, but Majidi remains focused on building momentum for their domestic league ambitions.

Tactical Control Undermined by Clinical Finishing

Speaking to local media, Majidi emphasized his team's tactical superiority throughout most of the match. "We controlled the flow of the game clearly, but we conceded two goals from just two Al-Nassr attacks in the first half, which went against the run of play," the Iranian tactician explained.

Al-Bataeh managed to pull one back before halftime, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and providing hope for a second-half comeback. However, Al-Nassr's third goal proved decisive, effectively killing off any realistic chance of progression.

The Decisive Moment

Majidi identified Al-Nassr's third strike as the turning point that "ended our hopes of a comeback, despite the tremendous effort shown by the players." This assessment highlights a common challenge for smaller clubs competing against more established opponents – the need for near-perfect execution when chances are limited.

Injury Crisis Exposes Squad Depth Issues

The Al-Bataeh coach was candid about his team's personnel problems, acknowledging that several key players missed the crucial fixture through injury. "The substitutes are not at the same level as the starters, and this is an undeniable reality," Majidi admitted.

Most notably absent was Cameroonian striker Anatoly, whose potential participation had been hoped for but was ruled out by the medical staff to prevent aggravating his existing injury. This cautious approach, while medically sound, left Al-Bataeh without a key attacking threat when they needed goals most.

Looking Forward: League Campaign Remains Priority

Despite the cup disappointment, Majidi rejected suggestions that the early exit would negatively impact their ADNOC Pro League campaign. The coach maintained a professional outlook, stating: "My mission is to develop the team and prepare them to perform strongly against all competitors, and we will continue working to achieve that."

Building for the Future

Majidi's pragmatic response reflects the reality facing mid-tier UAE clubs – cup competitions offer valuable experience and exposure, but league performance ultimately determines long-term success and stability. His focus on continuous development suggests Al-Bataeh will use this setback as motivation rather than allowing it to derail their season.

The Iranian coach's honest assessment of his team's limitations, combined with his determination to improve, indicates a realistic approach to squad building that could serve Al-Bataeh well in their remaining fixtures this season.