STRESSED THAT RAYAN IS A PRECIOUS ASSET TO UAE FOOTBALL.. HAMMAD: WE HOPE TO SEE CAIO AND EL SHAHAT IN OUR MATCH AGAINST AL JAZIRA
Mohammed Obeid “Hammad”, Member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Club Football Company and Supervisor of the First and Reserved Teams, stressed that the team missed the efforts of two important players during the match against Esteghlal Tehran. “However, the performance of the team and the high fighting spirit and cohesion between the lines of the team compensated their absence through the head coach changed his method of playing,” said he. He expressed his wishes of seeing them soon in the pitch as soon as they both reach the degree of readiness required and be part of the team’s starting lineup in the coming match of the Arabian Gulf League against Al Jazira.
On the performance of the team against Esteghlal Tehran, he said: “Al Ain exhibited an honorable performance against his Iranian opponent in front of nearly 100 thousand spectators. I believe that the level of the team appeared in the second leg match has been better than the first leg match. Nevertheless, the team’s superiority was not translated into a win and the chances of the “Boss” still valid and strong to qualify to the next stage. The “Boss” players still have the chance to qualify as things are in their own hands and our focus will be on our next match in the Arabian Gulf League.”
He added: “I believe that Al Ain has not achieved anything yet in Group D but nothing has been lost despite the high level of performance and their superiority in all four past matches against all their competitors. Yet, we have two matches left and we will focus to snatch their six points.” He pointed out: “Group stages are always the hardest and most difficult and the following stages will be another challenge because it coincides with the end or beginning of the season. If we qualify to the next stage, Al Ain will have a completely different word and will prevail.”
Commenting on Rayan’s performance who plays for the first time in front of such a massive number of spectators whose number exceeded 100 thousand, he said: “I have no doubt that Ryan is one of the stars of the season not only for Al Ain but also for the UAE National Football Team in general for he has great skills and an impressive tactical commitment.” He commended his performance by saying: “In every game he proves he is a valuable asset within the starting lineup. Indeed, no player could easily play before such large crowds and in that atmosphere and under pressure in a competition of the value of the AFC Champions League. we have full confidence in Rayan’s skills and his ability to continue and reach prestigious rank the world of football by being humble, well-disciplined and his respectful ethics.”
