
Yamen Al-Zlufani: The Match Against Al-Shorta is Difficult and We Must Achieve a Positive Result
In bold press statements ahead of the anticipated match tomorrow against the runner-up Al-Shorta, the Tunisian Yamen Al-Zlufani, the head coach of Diyala Club, spoke about his team's preparations for the 34th round match of the Iraqi Stars League, which will take place at Al-Shaab International Stadium at 8:30 PM. Al-Zlufani confirmed that his team enters the match without pressure, but with the will and determination to present an honorable performance, despite the clear technical and financial disparities between the two sides.
Al-Zlufani said in his remarks to the media: "We know that Al-Shorta is a big, integrated team that includes distinguished names at the level of the Iraqi league and the national team, but football does not recognize names as much as it recognizes what is presented on the field, and we in Diyala carry the spirit of challenge and do not think of surrendering at all, especially at this sensitive time of the season."
He added: "We have full respect for Al-Shorta, especially since they are having an exceptional season and are close to winning the title, but we did not come to the capital to hand over points. We consider every match an opportunity to affirm our presence and present a different image, and we will play with ambition and high fighting spirit, even if we are suffering from some absences."
In response to a question about the club president's motivation for the players before the match, Al-Zlufani replied with a slight smile: "Material motivation is good, but the more important thing is psychological motivation. When a player feels that everyone is behind him and supports him, he will be stronger than even the rewards. We have been working for weeks to enhance the collective spirit and self-confidence among the players, and we will fight until the last seconds of the league."
Al-Zlufani also addressed the team's position in the standings, as Diyala is currently in the relegation zone and struggling to stay up. However, he confirmed that hope still exists: "Yes, we are in a complicated situation, but nothing is decided yet. There are still enough rounds in the league, and any positive result could change the calculations. We will face Al-Shorta knowing the size of the task, but it is not impossible."
Al-Zlufani concluded his remarks with a special message to Diyala fans, saying:
"I ask Diyala fans for patience and trust. We are working sincerely despite the difficult circumstances. The team has young elements fighting for the badge, and we hope to present a match against Al-Shorta that befits the name of the club, even if the expectations are not in our favor."
Al-Zlufani said in his remarks to the media: "We know that Al-Shorta is a big, integrated team that includes distinguished names at the level of the Iraqi league and the national team, but football does not recognize names as much as it recognizes what is presented on the field, and we in Diyala carry the spirit of challenge and do not think of surrendering at all, especially at this sensitive time of the season."
He added: "We have full respect for Al-Shorta, especially since they are having an exceptional season and are close to winning the title, but we did not come to the capital to hand over points. We consider every match an opportunity to affirm our presence and present a different image, and we will play with ambition and high fighting spirit, even if we are suffering from some absences."
In response to a question about the club president's motivation for the players before the match, Al-Zlufani replied with a slight smile: "Material motivation is good, but the more important thing is psychological motivation. When a player feels that everyone is behind him and supports him, he will be stronger than even the rewards. We have been working for weeks to enhance the collective spirit and self-confidence among the players, and we will fight until the last seconds of the league."
Al-Zlufani also addressed the team's position in the standings, as Diyala is currently in the relegation zone and struggling to stay up. However, he confirmed that hope still exists: "Yes, we are in a complicated situation, but nothing is decided yet. There are still enough rounds in the league, and any positive result could change the calculations. We will face Al-Shorta knowing the size of the task, but it is not impossible."
Al-Zlufani concluded his remarks with a special message to Diyala fans, saying:
"I ask Diyala fans for patience and trust. We are working sincerely despite the difficult circumstances. The team has young elements fighting for the badge, and we hope to present a match against Al-Shorta that befits the name of the club, even if the expectations are not in our favor."