Mentality has let us down: Calderon

Dubai - Cheetahs eye full points against Dibba Al Wasl have played inconsistently to see themselves in their current position of number 6

Al Wasl coach Gabriel Calderon did not mince words when he categorically said that the mental makeup of his players has let his team down this season.
Al Wasl, after beginning with a flourish against the stronger sides in the Arabian Gulf League have ever since, slipped and played inconsistently to see themselves in their current position of number 6 with 36 points.
"It is common knowledge we let go of wonderful opportunities to strengthen our position after enjoying the third spot for a good length of time. And, against the lesser reputed and weaker sides we came out with shoddy performances to be where we are today," Calderon said, Tuesday evening.
This view was shared by consistent Al Wasl performer Hassan Amin, who said: "I am of the same view, it is the lack of application on a more consistent basis by us at the camp that has led to this position. It is not a lack of proper strategy or tactics, match by match, that have been the causes for our disappointing show after we promised so much right till the mid season."
Calderon continued: "The overall attitude and a lack of a tough mental makeup during the matches and the lack of urgency in their approach have caused us problems. We cannot ignore or let go of the maximum six points from our last two matches. Dibba is a strong, well organised squad and I respect their quality to be able to bounce back, considering their last two matches have been nightmares too. We have to be careful on Thursday and cannot afford to relax thinking the season is in its final stretch."
"In defence on Thursday night, we will have a suspended player (Abdulla Saleh) on the bench. This is not a new problem for us as we have been short of first eleven men many times this season in this department. We have 25 players to manage our affairs and as usual, I am confident of our defenders, including the goalkeeping part."
After 24 rounds of gruelling encounters in the 2015-16 AGL, it has finally come to the last two matches where there will be a world of difference if the sides are able to garner the full six points that are available.
As far as Al Wasl who play hosts to Dibba on Thursday night kickoff - 8.45pm, six points will mean an improvement in the standings.
In their last two encounters, the Cheetahs lost golden opportunities to gain full points especially against Sharjah when they had to share hounours in a 1-1 stalemate at home, and later, when things looked to take a positive turn after the Sharjah visit, the Yellows crumbled to the constant raids of hosts Al Wahda before going down 0-3 in Abu Dhabi last week. 
On the other hand Dibba were trashed 4-0 in front of their home crowd by seventh placed Dhafra in their last AGL assisgnment. The match prior to that for Dibba witnessed hosts Emirates dish out a clinical show for a 2-0 victory.
moni@khaleejtimes.com