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Focus on top table finish, not contract extension: Al Wasl coach Arruabarrena

Dubai - The Argentine, who had joined last June, on a one-year contract, hopes to guide 'The Cheetahs to an AFC Champions League spot

Al Wasl coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena confirmed that talks for a contract extension have been an ongoing with the club's hierarchy but reiterated that it hasn't diverted his attention from guiding The Cheetahs to a top of the table finish in the Arabian Gulf League.
The Argentine replaced compatriot Gabriel Calderon at the Zabeel Stadium last June and was handed a one-year contract. Talks have been on for sometime regarding a contract extension and Arruabarrena said a clearer picture would emerge sooner rather than later.
But the former Boca Juniors coach, capped six times by Argentina, said that his focus was fully on piloting Al Wasl to second spot or a top three finish, which will pave their way to the AFC Champions League.
"We have to carry on and play four matches more and three teams are fighting for second and a top three finish which is important for qualifying for the AFC Champions League," Arruabarrena said after his side held defending champions Al Ahli to a goalless stalemate at the Rashid Stadium, late on Thursday night.
The Cheetahs were early pace-setters of the League but their performance tapered off in the second half of the season. Al Wasl are currently fourth with 45 points, a point behind Al Ain.
Asked what was the next course of action, the 41-year-old put it simply: "Win the four."
He then added: "Easy to say and difficult to do. But we have to do that and we have to make sure that we just think about the next game. My players have shown that they can do very good things for the club. We have to play four matches more and we can't relax. We have to improve things and our next match also is against a big team and we have to get those three points."
Al Wasl are at home to Al Ain next up and also have matches lined-up against Dibba, Al Shabab and Hatta.
As far as his contract extension was concerned, Arruabarrena said: "We are speaking and we are getting to a period of definition to continue or not continue. It is vital that a clear picture emerges so that we can prepare for next season. The communication is good and I don't have any problems. My renewal is not important at the moment and what's important is the next game."
Arruabarrena also thanked the Al Wasl faithful for their unwavering loyalty. "I'm proud to say thank you to the fans of Al Wasl. We have the support of our fans and that is because they see what the team does on the field. We have the possibility to go to the AFC Champions League," said Arruabarrena.
james@khaleejtimes.com