Abu Dhabi: Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic insisted it will be win or bust for his team in Tuesday’s (6.30pm UAE) AFC Asian Champion’s League Group B match away to Naft Tehran at Azadi Stadium.
“We came to Iran in order to return to the Emirates on a winning note,” announced the Croatian at Monday’s pre-match press conference in Iran. “The goal of this team is clear — we have to put up a superior performance and return with three points.
“We are well aware that Naft Tehran are a strong opponent and will come hard at us. They are the Iranian league leaders and that speaks of their strength.”
While Dalic’s team played out a goalless draw in their group opener against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, Naft Tehran lost 2-1 away to Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor.
“Since the two teams were unable to achieve the desired result in the first round of the league, you can expect an absorbing contest,” said Dalic, whose side have some fitness worries going into the clash.
Winger Jires Kembo Ekoko and defender Mohammad Fayez are nursing injuries sustained during their 3-0 Arabian Gulf League win against Fujairah on Saturday.
“We have some problems because of injuries but I have very great confidence in the players on the bench. The return of Omar Abdul Rahman is a huge boost for the team. The confidence of the team is high and we are keen to get a positive result from this outing,” said Dalic, who has had very little time to prepare his team for this outing.
“We are playing against Naft within 72 hours of our last match against Fujairah, so there was no adequate time for training. However, that is no excuse and we have to do our best.”
Defender Esmail Ahmad echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying: “It is a very important match for us and everyone in the team is well aware of it. We have had good preparation and have done some video analysis of our opponent so we understand their style of play. We are confident of putting up a good show.”
Naft Tehran coach Ali Reza Mansourian, on the other hand, has urged their fans to turn up in large numbers.
“Do not leave Naft alone in front of one of the most powerful Asian clubs,” Mansourian said. “I’m appealing to the masses of Iran to be behind team at the Azadi Stadium because the players will not be able to move on their own and lead their challenge against the strongest teams of the Asian continent.
“Al Ain comprises of stars like Omar Abdul Rehman, his brother Mohammad and Ghanaian star Asamoah Gyan, so we will need support from the fans from all local teams to get behind the team and inspire them.
“We completed our preparations but we will have to work hard and play to the best of our potential in order to win and enhance our chances to move forward in the competition.”
