Dubai United Exit President’s Cup After Hatta Defeat as Pirlo Calls for a Reset

Dubai United’s UAE President’s Cup campaign came to an end in the Round of 16 following a narrow 1–0 defeat away to Hatta on Saturday evening at Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium.

Dubai United entered the encounter determined to secure a positive result and progress further in the competition. However, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Firas Belarbi, whose strike proved decisive.

United attempted to respond in the closing stages and created opportunities to equalise, but were unable to find the breakthrough as Hatta secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Pirlo: We Did Not Perform at the Required Level

Speaking after the match, Dubai United head coach Andrea Pirlo expressed his disappointment with his side’s performance, highlighting their struggles in individual duels and second-ball situations.

“We played a very, very bad game. We didn't win a single duel or second ball. When you don't win these battles, it's difficult to win a football match,” Pirlo said.

The Italian coach acknowledged Hatta’s stronger approach and admitted his frustration despite United creating late opportunities.

“They deserved to win because they showed a better attitude. We had some opportunities to score towards the end, but I am very disappointed. I am not happy with our performance,” he added.

Looking ahead, Pirlo stressed the importance of using the upcoming league break to regroup and restore the squad’s mental sharpness.

“Maybe now we need to recover a little, clear our heads and recharge mentally. Perhaps the league break has come at the right moment. We have to work and prepare ourselves for what comes next,” he concluded.

With their President’s Cup campaign now over, Dubai United will turn their attention to upcoming domestic fixtures, aiming to address their shortcomings, regain momentum and return to winning ways.