Extended His Sincere Gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed.. Ismael Ahmad: Highly Proud of the 11 Years I Spent With Al Ain Squad
I look Forward to Clinching More Titles with My Team
My Goal in Al Wahda Net Is Stamped on My Memory … Criticism Does Not Upset Me at All
We All Work with High Concentration to Realize the Team’s Substantial Goals
The Boss Confirmed to the Whole World that Big Teams Show Their Genuine Fighting Spirit in Big Clash Matches
I Had No Doubt in Seeing My Teammates Again Particularly Those Who Have Renewed Their Contracts Recently
Ainawi Fans are The Beating Heart of the Team at All Times
I Obtained My Coaching Certificate on My Close Friends’ Advice
Ismael Ahmad, Captain of Al Ain First Football Team, expressed his deep pleasure on the occasion of announcing the establishment of Al Ain TV channel. He stressed: “Al Ain Media Company is an important step forward for Al Ain Club to achieve a paradigm shift in media sector and keep pace with the media development, given that the media professionals of Al Ain Club are always working hard to build bridges of communication between the club and its loyal fans and supporters. This means a lot to the players, especially during the one-month away pre-season summer camp. I do wish all the best for Al Ain TV channel in achieving the desired goals through covering the news of the club and events of Al Ain City and our beloved homeland.”
In a press statement broadcasted by Al Ain TV Channel, Ismail Ahmed stated: “The atmosphere of the team’s summer camp in Austria is optimistic. Everybody has the desire to finish this stage with the best gains through the boosting their efforts and train with high focus and seriousness to achieve our goals and make our loyal fans happy in this coming new season expected to be full of challenges.”
Commenting on a question on the club’s decision to finalize the dossier of players in their last six months, he said: “First of all, thanks go to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the First Vice President of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, and the First Vice President of Honorary Board, for his sponsorship and unlimited support he is extending to Al Ain Club. As players, we look at this support as a trigger to motivate to push ourselves to the limit to defend the badge of the team.”
“It is not a secret to tell you that I did not have any doubt that any player whom the club has renewed their contracts will not be playing next to me in the coming season. I do know their professional mentality and loyalty to this big and lofty club despite the tempting offers they received from several clubs. Not to forget also the efforts exerted by H.E. Mohammed bin Thaloub Al Derie, Chairman of Al Ain Club Investment Company, to maintain the stars of the Boss squad,” he stated.
He added: “It is not unusual that Al Ain Club Management to lend their helping hand in support of the players in all conditions. We could not also forget the sincere efforts exerted by Mohamed Obaid “Hammad”, Supervisor of the First and Reserved Teams, during the negotiations phase. Al Ain loyal fans also played a key role in renewing the players’ contracts through their support they show via social media platforms. All of these factors made feel confident that I will see all of them again in the best club in Asia. I do wish them all the best in their career.”
On his assessment of the challenges waiting for the club in the coming season, he stated: “Al Ain seeks in every season to do their best and perform well to win more titles regardless of any difficult circumstances facing the team. However, this season we are experiencing excellent conditions considering the new stars joined the squad adding new teeth to the lines of the team. Definitely, the team does not rely only on two or three or even five players as all players are concerned with boosting the level of the team even if they are the bench players. Therefore, each player must do his best to be fully ready as any player might be selected by the head coach selected him to be part of the starting lineup. I do wish all my teammates all the best in the new season.”
Commenting on a question on his assessment of the past 11 years he spent with the Boss, he said: “First of all, let me thank the Ainawi fans, who enjoy the impeccable culture of cheering up each player of the team, for their never-ending support in all circumstances. Every moment I have spent defending the logo of the Boss means a lot to me. Indeed, thank God for being a member of the one family of the Boss which makes me feel proud and honored.”
“I experienced happy moments and contributed to achieving numerous titles. Similarly, I experienced with my teammates awkward circumstances during the 11 years I spent with the team that I cannot forget. However, I am highly enthusiastic to play for more years to come and ready to make the history with my big club,” Ismael said.
He also said: “Any football player who looks forward to playing as much time as possible is required to be professional and adhere to important strict controls that he might find it difficult but through his commitment and will power he could make his mission easier and achieve his desired goals.”
As for the team’s performance in the past season, he said: “We were not lucky enough in the last season to achieve the desired goals, in addition to other factors including the replacement of the head coach and the curse of injuries did play a key role in the deterioration of the team’s performance and results locally and continentally. In the meantime, Al Ain squad did their best to raise the UAE flag high in the FIFA Club World Cup and achieved an unprecedented success at the local and regional levels. It is a proof that the big teams show their genuine fighting spirit in big challenges and the Boss was able to achieve a record achievement in that championship.”
“Yes, I scored more than 30 goals throughout my career with the Boss. Each goal has a special place and I was tasked by the head coach to fulfill certain tasks that complement the efforts of the whole squad. When I was able to do it as planned, I feel satisfied and highly motivated to do more to serve the best interest of the team,” Ismael Ahmad said in response to a question on his title as the “Scoring Defender” of the team compared to the goals he scored though he is his position as a defender.
He went on to say: “Yet, the memorable and critical goal I scored was against Al Wahda in 2011/2012 season. The opponent was taking the lead by two goals at their home field and out former head coach Romania’s Cosmin Olăroiu directed me to move forward. Ali Al Whaibi sent me a deft pass and I jumped high and sent the ball into the back net of the goalkeeper at the 93rd minute of the added in time and to finish the match by a 2-2 draw.”
“Actually, there is no easy season for the Boss as the team is always required to win titles and fight honorably in the field in all its matches. However, the most difficult season was 2010/2011 when the team was about to relegate to the first division of the league but we were able to remain in the league. in the following season 2011/2012 the Boss was crowned by the shield of the league making it the 10th time to win the dearest title,” he explained the most difficult time he faced during his career with the Boss.
On reasons behind his decision to enroll the Coaching “C” License Certificate, he said: “I joined the training course on the advice of my close friends. Thank God so much for this achievement and for passing the tests successfully. My ambitions will never soar below the skies with the Boss and will do my best to further improve my skills and continue my career as a coach following my last match with the Boss.”
Ismael Ahmad addressed a message to those criticize the back line of the Boss by saying: “I have never been upset by criticism at all as I take it positively. Those who criticize want me to improve my performance and always support us as defenders of the Boss’ den.” He also pointed out that the defenders are always held accountable to protect the back of the team and as all know football is the game of taking advantage of the opponent’s mistakes.
He signed off: “Some of the fans and observers criticize us to draw our attention to our mistakes and others have hidden purposes, but we hope that we will be lucky this coming season and be able to fulfill the aspirations of our leadership and make the Ainawi Nation happy.”
On the Margin
•Cosmin achieved a paradigm shift in the team’s level of performance owing to his remarkable style of treatment with the players. Personally, he gave me invaluable advice and tips that I still adopt and implement in the field.
Joining the Boss squad is the most important event in whole of my life and so proud of it.
To play in the FIFA Club World Cup was the team’s crystal-clear goal. Indeed, we fulfilled this target through the spirit of the one family at all levels, including the club’s management, coaching teams, administrative staffs, stars of the squad, loyal fans and all members of the club.
