Paulo Sousa Reflects on Squandered Chances and Lack of Control Against Al-Ain

Shabab Al Ahli suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to Al Ain in a top-of-the-table clash that saw the visitors claim sole leadership of the UAE Pro League. Despite the loss, Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa praised his team's performance, calling it their best display since he took charge.

The defeat was particularly frustrating for the defending champions, who dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into goals. Sousa's side controlled large portions of the match at Rashid Stadium, yet paid the price for their wastefulness in front of goal.

"We exhausted our opponents with the number of chances and attacks we created, but we couldn't turn them into goals," Sousa said in his post-match press conference. "I'm very proud of what the players showed on the pitch. Shabab Al Ahli created everything in this match - chances from the wings and through the middle. We deserved more than one penalty."

The Portuguese coach highlighted the tactical differences between the two sides, noting that Al Ain relied primarily on counter-attacks while his team maintained offensive control throughout most of the game. "Al Ain only depended on counter-attacks, while we were the more dangerous side and created more chances," he explained.

But Sousa was philosophical about the result, acknowledging that dominance doesn't always translate to victory in football. "In football, you don't always win when you're the better team. Football is about efficiency in taking your chances, and that's what we lacked today."

The victory puts Al Ain in a commanding position at the top of the league table with 13 points, opening up a two-point gap over second-placed Al Wahda. Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli remains stuck on 10 points in fourth place, a disappointing position for the reigning champions after five rounds.

For Al Ain, this result represents more than just three points. Beating the defending champions away from home sends a strong message to their title rivals and establishes them as serious contenders for this season's championship. The tactical discipline they showed in absorbing pressure and striking on the counter-attack suggests they have the mentality needed for a sustained title challenge.

Despite the setback, Sousa remains optimistic about his team's trajectory. His satisfaction with the performance, even in defeat, indicates he believes the goals will come if they continue playing at this level. The challenge now is maintaining that attacking intensity while finding the clinical edge needed to turn dominance into victories.