DUBAI // Toninho Cerezo, the Al Shabab coach, wants the UAE Football Association to allow five substitutions in cup games to help give more match time to reserve players. Shabab travel to Al Sharjah tonight for their second game of the Etisalat Cup after opening their campaign with a 3-3 home draw against Al Wahda. Currently three substitutions are permitted in cup matches, which are being used by most clubs to try out fringe players.
Cerezo, a former Brazil international, believes increasing the number of substitutions will help in the development of the youngsters. "Most of the teams are trying out their reserve players in the cup matches and it is the same for us," said Cerezo. "We are trying to give opportunities to the fringe players. "We want to give chances to more players. Unfortunately, we cannot change all the players because it will be difficult for the team if we lose.
"I think if we can allow five substitutions in these competitions, it would be great for the players who are training daily, but hardly get to play." And Cerezo hopes Shabab will not forget the lessons they learned from the 4-2 league defeat at Sharjah last month. "We were caught napping and Sharjah raced to a 4-0 lead," said Cerezo. "We created so many chances, but failed to score. I hope we don't make the same mistakes again."
Sharjah have been unbeaten since the 4-0 loss at Al Ain in the opening game of the season. Coach Youssef al Zawawi is keen Sharjah continue their progress and stay in the hunt for the title. "Our goal is not to win just matches, but the titles," said the Tunisian. "I believe we have the ability and the strength to do that." arizvi@thenational.ae