Zlatko Dalic, the Al Ain coach, says the Arabian Gulf League leaders must not drop their guard against Al Nasr when the two sides meet on Saturday.
Al Ain travel to Al Maktoum Stadium boasting a four-point lead over Al Jazira at the top of the table with five rounds remaining, knowing victory would be a huge step towards the title.
Nasr would appear there for the taking, given their recent struggles. Since mid-December, the Dubai side have registered two league victories in 10 matches to slip to sixth position. However, Dalic warned his team against complacency, emphasising that opponents tend to raise their level of play when confronting the 11-time UAE champions.
“According to what I have seen since becoming coach here last season, all the teams playing against Al Ain show complete determination, as if they’re playing a final,” Dalic said. “So Al Nasr will show great enthusiasm and a desire to achieve a big win against us. It will not be easy, but I have high confidence in my players.”
Al Ain are depleted for the trip to Dubai, though, with Ismail Ahmed and Mohammed Abdulrahman suspended and question marks over the fitness of Asamoah Gyan.
Miroslav Stoch returns to the squad after missing Tuesday's Asian Champions League match against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor through suspension.
Dalic said he was satisfied with the 1-1 draw, which left Al Ain second in Group B, although he asked his players to raise their game for the clash with Nasr.
“I expect an outstanding performance from my team, as we must shift focus now to achieve top place in the league,” he said. “The match against Nasr will be difficult. They are one of the strongest teams that have shown a high performance this season.
“But Al Ain always have respect for their opponents. I have great confidence in my players. Our aim is to win the game.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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