Dubai: Unsettled national team striker Ahmad Khalil came in as substitute in the last 20 minutes and got his name on the board after gliding in Omar Abdul Rahman’s pass during extra time to seal a 4-0 win against Al Nasr late on Saturday.
However, the former AFC Player of the Year has been struggling to make an impact after being offloaded mid-season by Al Jazira. Rumours have since been making the rounds that Khalil may return to his childhood club at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai for the next season.
“I have already asked him to stay on,” was Mamic’s swift response when asked about Khalil.
On a personal front, Mamic has also been in talks with the club management on an extension of his contract. “I have not been secretive about the fact that it is my wish to stay on with Al Ain,” he related.
“But I am not alone. There are two sides to the talks. We have been negotiating and we will find a way to close the deal. I have always said that I want to stay here,” Mamic added.
“I feel this is my family, where there is positive energy despite all the problems you have while dealing with 25 to 30 good players. Of course there are going to be problems, and these are solved inside the dressing room. It is never easy for me as a coach,” he related.
“But at the end of the day, I am the one who makes the decisions. I stay honest and fair and I feel very good at this moment. Perhaps, you should speak with the players and ask them if they feel good about me,” Mamic smiled.
The coach announced that Sunday would be an off day for the team, after which they will meet for regular training to start preparations for their President’s Cup semi-final against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in Abu Dhabi, on April 25. “That semi-final will give us some extra pleasure and joy,” Mamic said.
