AL AIN // Zlatko Dalic has told his Al Ain side to forget about their recent domestic disappointment and concentrate on qualifying for the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League.
Al Ain, the only UAE representative to capture the continental crown, begin their Group D campaign Wednesday against Qatar’s El Jaish at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
Al Ain come into the match having just relinquished top spot in the Arabian Gulf League for the first time since early season, following Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Al Shabab. Al Ahli, runners-up in Asia last year, now lead the standings by one point with seven matches remaining.
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However, Dalic has urged his players to prove Thursday was simply a blip, as they seek to improve upon last year’s Champions League performance. After winning their group, Al Ain were eliminated in the last 16 by Ahli.
“It’s a new competition, different from the league and the players are ready for this competition,” Dalic said. “They know how special this is to Al Ain.
“We didn’t deserve to lose two points in the last game. But I agree that this is not an easy time for us. It’s better if we play against Jaish after a win, but we need to get back to winning ways and win this next game, because we have many games coming and this is the first in the Champions League.”
Two errors by goalkeeper Khalid Essa handed an injury-time victory to Shabab last week, with Dalic understandably keen to ensure no repeat against Jaish.
“I have been in the Champions League the past four years, I have experience, I know how we can pass the group,” he said. “I’m just worried about mistakes. Last time, we then paid the price for each personal mistake. We must not make them.
“My players know they have a big support from my side, I’m behind them and I will always give everything to make them give their best.”
Al Ain are attempting to win the tournament for the second time, having taken the title in 2003. Since then, they again contested the final, in 2005, while two years ago they reached the semi-finals. Last season’s exit at the first knockout round still rankles.
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“We need to forget about what happened last year and focus on 2016,” said Dalic, who confirmed Danilo Asprilla misses the Jaish encounter with injury, although Ahmed Barman should return to midfield.
“The first goal will be to pass the group, after we go step-by-step. But, of course, Al Ain always want to take the maximum, always want to take the trophy.”
Jaish represent Al Ain’s first obstacle, although a defeat against Lekhwiya in last Thursday’s Qatar Stars League match meant they missed the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals into second. They also have several injuries to contend with, chiefly to Sardor Rashidov, their influential Uzbek midfielder.
“We know it’s not easy; tomorrow we face the best team in the Middle East,” said Sabri Lamouchi, the Jaish coach. “It’s a very tough game, but an important test. I hope we’re ready for this competition.”
Asked if Al Ain’s defeat to Shabab will make the hosts more dangerous, Lamouchi replied: “Of course. They’ll want a reaction. I know their quality.”
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