Zlatko wonders why Asprilla was suspended!
Introducing his team’s Round 11 versus Al Wahda, Al Ain FC’s Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić saw the clash a new challenge on their way to the AG League title; “We take all our games as ‘Clasico’ since all our rivals consider that playing Al Ain FC is their season’s most challenging game,” he claimed.
He said that they need to be well prepared to come back with 3 points, though their competitors of Al Wahda have a number of excellent players.
To avoid the same defensive mistake of conceiving an early and unexpected goal as in their last 3 games, Zlatko stressed “We need to maintain our self-composure, stay attentive and control the proceedings from the very beginning.”
He admitted that Al Wahda is a good team with 4-game winning streak that earned them a significant tally of points so far they lost their last game to Al Ahli and had levelled with Emirates earlier.
He pointed out that injuries will keep his players Mohamed Ahmad and Mohamed Fayez off-pitch, while Asprilla will be suspended.
He insisted that Asprilla’s absence won’t be a pretext for any potential loss to Al Wahda; “Al Ain FC boasts many players who can fill the gap; and as a coach, I have to provide the necessary support to my players,” he said.
“What was Asprilla suspended? Why a war is being declared against him? Is it because he’s currently at his best or because he’s a skillfully entertaining player?” he bitterly wondered.
He went on to explain “Asprilla has neither made any abusive behavior nor done anyone wrong; he was just carrying out his tasks. On the contrary, Al Wasl players harshly pushed him; though he tried to avoid them, they kept running after him to push and irritate him. It was clear they attempted to have him sent off. What was all that about! Showcasing the skills is Asprilla’s style and it’s a part of football.”
He pointed out that he always encourages Asprilla to show his entertaining football skills; “I don’t think Messi would be suspended simply because of his skillful playstyle. Asprilla was shocked when he was suspended. Everyone remembers that he was earlier attacked by Emirates goalie,” he added.
“Everyone saw how 5 or 6 of Al Wasl players attacked Asprilla; they were teased by his skillful style. Did they expect him to leave the ball to them? That makes no sense! The scene was so clear; it was Al Wasl player who deliberately attacked Asprilla though the latter tried to avoid him. If you couldn’t stop him, you should have let him go! That’s football,” he elaborated.
He confirmed that Asprilla will maintain his skillful playstyle and will be always supported by him with no negative reaction will be taken against him. “Though Asprilla was unfairly punished, we have to obey the decision, but that won’t prevent us from protecting our player.” He concluded.
