Issam Abdullah: Zoran Adopts a Special Training Program for Confrontation against Esteghlal
Issam Abdullah, Administrative Manager of Al Ain Team, stressed the importance of responding to Esteghlal Tehran by winning the second leg match to be held next Monday at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium where Al Ain team will officially announce their qualification from the outstanding architectural masterpiece to the 2017 Asian Champions League quarterfinal.
He pointed out, “Loosing the match in the extra time gives our payers the motivation to respond strongly and among our fans. I think to achieve draw result in the away match is sometimes deceptive because we are entering the match with two options; however, things are clear now. We have only one chance and we have to win the Iranian team by more than one goal and not receiving any goal in our net.”
Commenting on a question concerning the team’s preparation, he said, “Al Ain players are well aware that they have only one week left from the current season. They all are required to redouble their efforts and work hard to settle matters as required and in an honorable way by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. I have no doubt that they are up to the challenge and will fulfill their obligations.”
He added, “The Croatian Head Coach, Zoran Mamic, decided to give his players a break on Tuesday and then to resume preparations for the second leg match on Wednesday. The training sessions are scheduled to start on late evening Thursday at 09:00 p.m. consistent with the timing of the match that will be held in the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, training sessions will begin at 11:00 p.m.”
As for the atmosphere in Azadi Stadium, “We certainly expected everything from the fans of the opponent club as by the end of the day they stay as no more than fans. However, we did not expect the local officials’ reaction who did not adopt the principle of the fair play at all. This happened prior, during and after the match.” He added, “Al-Ain goalkeeper, Khalid Issa, was thrown by stones and photographers who were around the pitch were insulting him without any reaction from the officials of the match. As I mentioned to you, there should have been control over things, especially officials, organizers, photographers and others who are available around the pitch and add to them the fans. I think that the AFC is facing a major challenge with regard to implement tight security measures and better controls during the Champions League games, especially in its crucial stages.”
