Abu Dhabi: “I’m not Superman,” said an irked Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic ahead of his team’s President’s Cup title clash against arch rivals Al Jazira at Zayed Sports City at 6.20pm on Sunday.
Dalic was upset with the twitter rants he was receiving from a section of the fans who feel that the coach has been not up to the mark.
The Croatian, who led his team into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League, earlier in the week, with a 2-0 win over Iran’s Zob Ahan, was clearly taking a dig at his detractors.
“It will be very stupid from my side if I’m too cautious about tomorrow’s outing. It will be stupid also from my side if think about people who are against me. I’m against nobody but I pray for people who are against me, that God give help to them. Inshallah we will make it the best season in the history of Al Ain with a win tomorrow,” said Dalic as he wondered aloud what more expectations he would have to live up to?
“We took Morocco Cup, Super Cup, quarters of Asian Champions League, second in Arabian Gulf League and hopefully President’s Cup tomorrow. I’m no Superman. The important thing is my players are with me and that’s all I need,” added Dalic, reiterating that he had to weather some tough times.
“I’m strong, I’m a fighter and I just focused on my team. We will stay together and remain compact till the last minute tomorrow,” said Dalic, who added more fuel to speculations that he might be on his way out by saying, “I will be coach tomorrow again and day after tomorrow also, whether Al Ain or some other team. I respect everybody but I need more respect. I came here with no name but built my name but who helped me are my players. They know they can do well with me and take all the trophies and, for me, that is most important. Tomorrow my contract finishes and I will go home and relax with my family and think about my future later.”
Dalic, going into the finals, will be expecting another inspired performance from his star player Omar Abdul Rahman, who has been simply at his best. Korean recruit Lee Myung-Joo and Colombian winger Danilo Asprilla have been among the goals as well and Al Ain fans will be expecting a repeat show from them.
“I believe in me and my teammates because we are a good team and, hopefully, we can win the title. Our fitness levels are high as we have done good training and that will help to put up a good performance,” said a confident Asprilla.
Al Jazira, on the other hand, will be banking on Ali Mabkout, who scored a hat-trick in the semis, to deliver the goods and erase the memories of a disappointing season.
“In January, we were dead and buried and for us being in the finals is a present. For Al Ain, it is a must-win and there is a lot of pressure on them but we have a good strategy. The main thing is that the players believe in themselves now,” said coach Henk ten Cate, who replaced Abel Braga in December last year after the latter’s return to the capital turned into a disaster.
Al Jazira came from behind to beat Sharjah on penalties and later stunned Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli 3-2 in the semis to book the finals berth.
“When you bounce back to make it to the finals, then it gives tremendous confidence. The team started picking up on what we were practicing now. We have confidence but that should not turn into arrogance. We are playing a top team but in football, everything is possible and we will show that tomorrow that everything is possible,” added Ten Cate.
