Ryan Babel has attempted to ease Al Ain supporters’ anxieties following the club’s poor preseason form.
The UAE champions are at a training camp in Austria as they prepare for the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League campaign, but they have not enjoyed good results.
During their time in Worgl, Al Ain suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat to Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv and then on Wednesday fell 4-0 to England’s Hull City. The loss to the Championship side particularly rankled, especially because the Garden City club’s new recruits – Fellype Bastos, Emmanuel Emenike and Babel – failed to make an impression.
Al Ain’s fans have been quick to vent their frustrations, with many taking to social media this week to complain about the squad’s apparent deficiencies.
However, Babel has tried to allay fears, saying the most important function of the camp is to increase fitness while also helping the new additions adapt to the team. Al Ain begin the season on August 15 with the Arabian Gulf Super Cup clash against Al Nasr.
“The result is not as significant as the experience gained by the players and the technical staff,” Babel told the club’s official website. “We might lose some preparatory games, but the gains outweigh the defeat and will help us reach the required level of readiness.
“We have a strong team and should give our best during the coming season. We are all working hard to reach the necessary level before the season kicks off.”
Babel signed earlier this month from Turkish side Kasimpasa. A former Ajax, Liverpool and Netherlands international winger, he is expected to contribute significantly to Al Ain’s attack next season after the club allowed the prolific Asamoah Gyan to depart.
Miroslav Stoch has also left and, although Jires Kembo Ekoko remains on the books, the French forward is actively seeking new employers.
Babel reiterated his commitment to ensuring he proves a success at Al Ain and used to opportunity to stress that the supporters must show faith in Emenike. The Nigerian joined this month on a one-year loan deal from Turkey’s Fenerbahce.
“Personally, I am neither (Lionel) Messi nor (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but I will do my best to come up to the expectations of Al Ain fans as well as our coach,” Babel said. “Al Ain fans are used to Gyan’s presence and have difficulty accepting his departure. But the fact is that Emenike is now the team’s striker and he needs our support more than ever. He may not score in some games, but he surely contributes to the matches.”
Babel, 28, said he had the option to stay in Turkey with Besiktas but chose to sign for Al Ain because he believed it was best for his career. He anticipates next season will be difficult, though, given that the club’s main rivals have strengthened considerably this summer.
“The competition is fierce, with top-notch local and foreign players,” he said. “I will get to know the other teams as the games unfold, but I don’t think there are any weak teams.”
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