ZORAN: AL AIN’S PREPARATIONS PROGRESS AS REQUIRED TO WIN THE “DERBY”
Zoran Mamic, the Technical Manager of Al Ain, highlighted the fact that “We rigged ourselves for an important match against Al Wahda in a strong “derby” between two teams looking to snatch the three points.” He added, “We are well aware that our opponent this coming Saturday performed well in the past stages. Add to that, the team has significant, quality and skillful players who can make the difference any time. Not to forget also that they have recently achieved a turnaround victory in the Champions League and qualified for the President’s Cup final, as well.”
Zoran continued saying, “Al Ain will miss the team’s Captain, Omar Abdurrahman, because of suspension. We also have a few minor injuries suffered by the players following our recent match against Zob Ahan. We will assess the level of readiness of everyone during the last training session to be held prior facing Al Wahda. Indeed, our preparations are progressing as planned to restore the tone of victories in this coming important “derby”.”
In response to a question whether Amouri’s absence would boost the level of competition among his teammates to fill the gap, achieve the balance and make the difference which all linked to the presence of the team captain, Zoran said, “Absolutely, Omar’s absence is a great challenge for everyone. Indeed, I do not need to explain the importance of having the best footballer in Asia onboard, but we will make sure to compensate his absence by team work, team spirit and raise the level of concentration so that we can achieve the desired positive result and earn the three points.”
He commented on his plans during the summer transfer, especially his team lost the chance to have a position to be part of the continental championship by saying, “Our focus is now keep a tight rein on our next match against Al Wahda and we do plan to win its point. Most importantly, we do not have to think about whatsoever before the end of the current football season.”
Answering a question on why he is so reactive with regard to the players’ mistakes by excluding their names from his starting line-up list, the Croatian Coach replied, “I’m definitely here to help the players and not to kill their ambitions and mistakes happen in football. Personally, I am working on correcting these mistakes with team spirit. I am always happy with the team work and always give the chance for young players. Those who watched our match against Zob Ahan Esfahan noticed that Caio’s performance was not that superior. However, in my opinion, he played the defensive and offensive roles assigned to him in the best manner because, in short, he played for the team and contributed remarkably to winning the three points along with his colleagues. I do thank him for his great performance.”
As for a question on the deterioration of the team’s performance specially when they are in the lead during the match as it happened in the match against Al Wasl team, he commented, “I do not think there is any decline in the team’s performance, but we can say that there are certain mistakes because of losing concentration; an issue which we must deal with. Personally, I am fully confident that during the summer period we will attend to all the problems popped up during certain official confrontations of the team, especially I did not have that abundant time to deal with these problems since I assumed the responsibilities of training Al Ain Team.”
