On Tuesday Al Ain embark on their quest to avenge last year’s Asian Champions League final defeat, when they begin their 2017 campaign at home to Zobahan. Manager Zoran Mamic spoke to the media ahead of the Group C opener.
Atoning for Jeonbuk
Al Ain, the only UAE club to win the Champions League, were denied a second title in November, defeated 3-2 on aggregate by South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The 2003 champions have been placed this year in a group alongside Saudi Arabia champions Al Ahli, Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor and Zobahan. The Iranians, who Al Ain defeated in the last 16 last year, are currently fourth in their domestic league.
On getting out of the blocks fast
“We are at the beginning of one of the most important competitions,” Mamic said. “I know how important it is to have a good start, and we know that we play against a very good team. We respect them very much, but we want to be concentrated on our team, on our goals and we will do everything tomorrow to show we’re in good shape, take three points and obtain that good start.”
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On his misfiring strikers
“This is what we have,” Mamic said. “I cannot make abracadabra and make something new. The players who play up front have to be more concentrated, but also patient and always try again, again, again. I don’t see it as a big, big problem. Of course, every coach wants to have five Ronaldos in his team, but it’s not possible. I’m happy with what I have at the moment; I don’t think other players could help us more. But we have to be present as a team, not just one player. The team is the most important. That’s always the first point.”
On his message to Al Ain supporters
“I wish lots of fans come to the stadium to give support to the team – we need this support,” said Mamic, who confirmed Amer Abdulrahman and Danilo Asprilla remain out injured. “We need the crowd in the stadium to be very loud. I hope also that the team helps the fans create a better atmosphere with a good game on the pitch. Because players without fans are not players, they need them and also the fans need players – it’s not a one-way ticket. I can promise the team will be ready and will show a good performance tomorrow.”
Double test for the UAE
Al Ain are one of two Emirati clubs in action on Tuesday, with Al Wahda travelling to Qatar’s Al Rayyan. The Abu Dhabi club, at present fifth in the Arabian Gulf League, booked their spot in the group stages earlier this month by defeating Jordan’s Al Wehdat 3-0 in a play-off. Rayyan are managed by former Barcelona and Real Madrid playmaker Michael Laudrup.
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