Sending My Player Off Did Not Bother Me.. Zoran Mamic: Al Ain Players Showed Their Genuine Fighting Spirit and Deserved to Move to Top Place
In the post-match press conference, Al Ain FC Head Coach Zoran Mamic stated: “Our mission against Al Wasl was not easy, because the opponent is a good team.” He added: “I think that three days are not enough to prepare the team for such a strong match, but we have succeeded in our mission due to the players’ high fighting spirit and the great desire shown by whole team which by the end of the day enabled us to top the standing table. Therefore, I believe that all the players deserve to commended for all what they have done during the today’s top clash.”
“In the second half of the match, we played missing a player. Meanwhile, Khalid Issa succeeded in showing high capabilities when he able to deal with dangerous chances to score by the home team in an accurate and crucial time. Thanks Khaled and thanks go also to all the players who confirmed their eligibility to win and topping the standing table,” said he.
In response to a question on his directives to Al Ain players during the break time, especially that the expectations in the second half were tilted in favor of the home team, he said: “After sending our defender off, I did not make that much adjustments on the pitch. I did only task Shiotani to play right back and directed Mohammed Ahmed to play as quarterback player.”
He went on to say: “In our last match against at Al Wasl we lost 4-3 after we were taking the lead by 3-1. In that match I felt that there was something wrong despite being ahead of the home team. However, today I did not speak to the players that much because I have confidence in their ability to score the second and third goals as my team is ready to fight and run in the pitch as required.”
“I think it is too early to talk about the title of AGL,” he said replying to a question that winning this match means that Al Ain is so close to snatch the title of the league. He added: “There is still 10 rounds to finish the league. Absolutely, it is good to win and this will grant the players the motivation to progress and achieve great positive results and maintain the team’s top position. We have to be more focused and deal with each match separately.”
With regard to Al Ain’s new player, Hussein El Shahat, he commented: “When I let him play today, I was in deep need for his services mainly because he is a quality fast player and the same applies to Bandar Al Ahbabi. Indeed, both of them did well and their performance was stunning given that Marcus Burg was suffering from stomachache before the match and Caio Lucas did not arrive the required level of readiness following the injury he has suffered from recently.”
“I was planning to give El Shahat the chance to play, but I really was in need to take advantage of his capabilities in this match. I believe he adapted to the atmosphere of the team as required. We do need the services of players, especially as the team will have important challenges in the coming period at the local and continental levels,” stated he.
On the issue of Ahmed Khalil signs to Al Ain, he said: “I have already mentioned in the pre-match press conference that I wish that the deal is completed and Ahmad has the chance to join Al Ain squad as soon as possible.”
