Al Ain’s Grand Celebrations Gear Up When Clinching the AFC Title.. Zoran: I Have No Fear of Playing Against any Team in Asia, Simply I am the Coach of Al Ain
Ahead of an intriguing round-of-16 clash match, Al Ain Head Coach Zoran Mamic stressed that his team has a significant confrontation in a crucial stage of the AFC Champions League. He further stated in the pre-match press conference dedicated for the match between both team: “We do understand that our opponent is a strong team with quality players; however, we are meant to pursue our picture-perfect performance that led the team to gain the best and honorable results.” He put it in plain words that the team’s goal in the knockout stage to qualify to quarterfinals.
He stated that Al Ain will be without Egyptian midfielder Hussein El Shahat and defender Mohannad Salem Al Enezi through suspension. “Other than that, we have a full squad to choose from and this requires to have all players geared up for this mission physically and mentally,” said the pragmatic Zoran.
Responding to a question if Duhail’s recent success and losing not a single match in ACL2018 worried him, Mamic stressed: “indeed, it can be the same question in the opposite way also. We have also made a great and exceptional season with the double and the squad is full of quality significant players. I’m not scared, but I have lots of respect for Duhail and all teams are well aware of the value and status of Al Ain. We have no option except to exhibit our strong charism in the pitch and play in our well-known style to realize our desired goals.”
On the impact of the absence of Egyptian midfielder Hussein El Shahat in tomorrow’s confrontation, he said: “As a matter of fact, I do not think about absent players as much as I focus on the available players to be part of my options and to select the right replacement.” He underlined: “Definitely, absences are part of the game and we must deal with such cases in the right manner. It is reassuring that Al Ain has the best players who could compensate for any potential absences in the team’s starting lineup.”
“We are very pleased with what we have achieved so far and celebrated our domestic achievements on the pitch,” said he when commented on a question on conditions of the tea currently following celebrating winning the double titles. He added: “I believe that there is no time for celebrations and we have to be fully ready and focusing on our coming confrontation. Add to that, I see that celebrations here in the State are different from those taking place in Europe but our grand celebration will set off when we clinch the Asian title.”
