ABU DHABI // Zlatko Dalic launched a staunch defence of his Al Ain record on the eve of Sunday’s President’s Cup final against Al Jazira – a match expected to be his last for the club.
The Croat, appointed manager of the Garden City side in March 2014, was speaking at Zayed Sports City on Saturday, when he was asked about rumours regarding his future and recent criticism he has received on social media.
Dalic’s contract expires after the Jazira encounter, bringing to an end an impressive period at Al Ain in which he has won the 2014 President’s Cup, the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League and led the club to the semi-finals of the 2014 Asian Champions League.
This season, Al Ain captured the Super Cup and finished second in the league, while on Wednesday they progressed to the Champions League last eight. On Sunday, they can lift the President’s Cup for a seventh time.
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“My focus is on the trophy. How we win it is not important,” Dalic said. “The most important for my team, for me, is to take the trophy. How? We’ll see tomorrow. It would be very stupid from my side if I care about rumours. It’ll be very stupid if I think about people who are against me. I’m against nobody, I just pray for people who are against me that God gives help to him.
“Hopefully we’ll make the best season in Al Ain’s history tomorrow. I’m not Superman. What can I do? What they want from me? For me, the most important thing is my players are with me. We are together, we are compact. I’ll be honest with you, it’s a tough time behind me. But I’m strong, I’m a fighter and I just focus on my team. I’ll be coach again tomorrow, then after tomorrow with Al Ain or another club.”
Dalic has been linked with a number of clubs, including Sunday’s opponents, Jazira, and already has a proposal from prospective employers. Given his track record with Al Ain, he is well respected throughout the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia where he has coached previously, at Al Hilal.
“Last four years, I’m the only coach who passed the Champions League group stage each year,” Dalic said. “Behind me is 40 Champions League games, not 40 League Cup games: Asia. It’s not enough to sit at home and fight with people on Twitter. I respect everybody, just what I need is small respect.
“Nothing too much. I came here a ‘no name’, I’ve built my name, but who helped me? My players. Why? They know with me they can do everything. With me they can take all trophies. That’s most important.
“I have an offer on the table, but my focus now is on my team, my club. Tomorrow my contract finishes, I will go with my family, take rest, enjoy my vacation and make a decision about my future. Thanks to everyone for supporting me, thanks to all Al Ain fans who stayed behind me. They know what I did in this club.
“If somebody doesn’t respect me, it’s not my problem. Maybe I’m not an interesting man because I’m here two-and-a-half years without accident, without a fight, without any problems. But I’m not Superman. Sorry if I speak too much, but it’s from my heart.”
On Sunday’s final, Dalic added: “This is a special game, not the same as in the league. Ninety minutes, fight for glory, fight for trophy, fight to be champion. We respect our opponents, who also want to take trophy. But like always, I’m a big optimist, I’m a fighter and I know my team are ready for his game. I’m not scared. I know they will give everything for the trophy, for their careers, for the club, for me. I believe in my team and my players have my full confidence.”
KEY BATTLES
Ismail Ahmed v Ali Mabkhout The latter has enjoyed a career year and his semi-final hat-trick suggested he has not begun to wind down. Ahmed, a talented defender, must be on his game.
Omar Abdulrahman v Park Jong-woo Shackling Al Ain's playmaker and the UAE's standout is never easy, so Park will have his work cut out. But stop Abdulrahman and you stop Al Ain.
Danilo Asprilla v Abdulla Mousa Asprilla is erratic but dangerous, a constant outlet for Al Ain on the right flank. He is a goal threat, too. Mousa needs to be switched on.
HEAD TO HEAD The two teams met twice in this season's Arabian Gulf League, with Al Ain winning both. It was 2-0 in the Garden City in October, when Fellipe Bastos and Lee Myung-joo scored, while in March's return fixture Douglas notched a hat-trick as Al Ain triumphed 3-1.
KEY STAT: 50 Jazira conceded 50 goals in the league this season, better than only the two relegated clubs. They will obviously need to improve in defence if they are to hold off Al Ain, the division's second-most prolific side during the same period.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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