The Boss face tricky Dibba test
dubai — Zoran Mamic may have had a dream start as Al Ain boss last time out against Al Nasr, but a tricky test awaits the Croatian, in the Arabian Gulf League, this weekend.
Al Ain came through against Al Nasr 3-0, with Caio, Ismail Ahmed and Omar Abdulrahman on the scoresheet, but The Boss would do well to remember that October fitxure, five weeks into the League, last year.
What was to be three points became one as the Garden City club let slip a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 against Dibba. And that away leg was a harrowing experience for Al Ain as defensive ace Mohanad Salem scored an own goal and then saw Omar Abdulrahman being red carded, deep in stoppage time.
Now, with Al Ain hoping to keep up with leaders Al Jazira, this fixture is critical to doing that. And with Dibba struggling to stay afloat from the drop, Mamic knows the importance of this tricky encounter.
“At this stage, we need to be playing better, looking at the players in this squad, with all due respect to opposition teams,” Mamic said.
“There are nine matches to go, so we need to work harder and focus. We must approach every match very carefully from start to finish. I trust my players and their ability to deliver results, especially after our injured players return to the team,” the Croatian added.
Meanwhile, Dibba coach Paulo Comelli hinted that his side will park the bus against Al Ain, especially, after they were blanked 2-0 by defending champions Al Ahli.
“While preparing for this match, we focused on the defensive side and coaching the players to position themselves across the pitch in a manner that nullifies Al Ain’s skilfull attacking players,” said Comelli.
In the other fixture on Thursday night, third-placed Al Wasl make the short trip to Al Sharjah to face Jose Peseiro’s men. The Cheetahs, who are a point behind second-placed Al Ain, have a couple of injury worries with Ronaldo Mendes and Abdulla Saleh on the injury list, while Hasan Zahran is serving a suspension.
james@khaleejtimes.com