ZORAN: I HAVE FAITH IN MY TEAM’S ABILITIES TO PERFORM GREAT AND ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS
During the pre-match press conference of Al Ain and Al Ahli KSA to be held on Tuesday in Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium as part of the 4th round of groups stage of the AFC Champions League, Zoran Mamic said, “Al Ain will face a strong club and one of the best clubs in the region. I expect that our mission will not be easy, especially in light of the high temperatures. However, I have unbounded confidence in my team’s abilities to show their best to achieve their continental goals.”
Zoran emphasized the importance of this confrontation between the two teams and stated “Our goal is to get the three points and progress step forward in the competition to win one of the two cards to qualify for the semi-final round. It is a fact that both know each other well and there are no secrets because things seem quite clear.”
In his comment on a question on Al Ahli is not competing to win the Saudi League title and focuses right now on the Champions League, Zoran stated that “I do not think this is important. Al Ahli has a direct confrontation against Al Hilal in the league, and everyone who enters the competition for the continental title is well aware that the Champions League is very different from the local championships and leagues. Such competitions require great concentration and double efforts to confirm its worth to play in such leagues and achieve their goals in the continent’s toughest championships.”
Replying to another question on the return of his strong defender Ismail Ahmed, specially he expressed certain concerns regarding the defense line performance in Al Ain’s recent match against Al Dhafra, he said, “I did not talk about the line of defense only, but the defensive system as a whole within the team. This requires each player to perform his duties in terms of defense and offense roles based on the concept of collective responsibility, and certainly that the return of Ismail Ahmed will be a strong addition to the back line. I think the performance of the defense will improve in the match of tomorrow.”
Commenting on a question regarding a remark made by Al Ahli’s Coach during the first leg match where he emphasized that his team played the best match again AL Ain in the season, Zoran said, “I think both teams are very motivated to offer their best in each match they have in each round, especially when the challenge is tied to the Asian Championship. As a result, each team will do its best in the pitch and fight for the best result.”
As for the international player, Nasser Al Shamrani, the Croatian Coach said, “I would like to express my deepest condolences to him and his family for the recent death of his father. Definitely, we will miss the player’s efforts in our coming game against Al Ahli KSA.”
