Abu Dhabi: Football, at times, can be a cruel sport and Zlatko Dalic and his team Al Ain learnt that the hard way in the President’s Cup final against Al Jazira on Sunday.
They rallied from a goal behind, tried everything in their arsenal but couldn’t find the matchwinner and eventually lost the contest in sudden death.
However, nothing can be taken away from ‘Pride of Abu Dhabi’ Al Jazira, more so from the man who was in charge of the citadel – Ali Khaseif. The 28-year-old stood like a rock in front of the goal and blocked nearly everything that came in his direction and the few that he did miss, the framework took care of them.
“We had a big game against Al Ain and we managed to get the best at the end of the season by winning this trophy. This win is not just because of an individual but because of the entire team,” said a beaming Khaseif, who recalled that the level of the team had “dipped” after their poor showing at the AFC Asian Champions League.
“We were not clicking after our early exit from the AFC and the coordination was missing. However, today everything clicked thanks to the great effort from all the members of the club, players, technical staff and our fans; we managed to win the President’s Cup,” added Khaseif, who kept several attempts from Al Ain’s Colombian winger Danilo Asprilla out, including his shot in the penalties.
Al Jazira coach Henk Ten Cate hailed Khaseif. “If somebody deserved to win this cup, it was Ali Khaseif. I want to congratulate everybody with this success but today Ali Khaseif was pretty special.”
Khaseif’s teammate Fares Juma, who had switched loyalties from Al Ain, said it was a challenge for him and he really wanted to do well against his previous club. “Yes, it was special and I really wanted to do well against Al Ain. I was pumped up and having been part of Al Ain I had some tips for my teammates during the match,” said Juma, adding that, he has “many happy memories with Al Ain” and he wanted to repeat the same with Al Jazira.
The success was a huge shot in the arm for Ten Cate after a forgettable season and, though his future with the club is still not clear, he sounded more optimistic.
“I don’t want to speak about my future now. However, we are in talks. But as of now, I want to be with the team to celebrate our President’s Cup win,” said Ten Cate adding that he would like to take an immediate trip home.
“I have not seen my daughter, my grandson and my mother for five months. This is my first aim and first objective, to go home and enjoy the company of my family.”
Dalic’s future with the club is also still unclear but he is prepared to make his move after being with the club for two-and-half years. Though the coach has taken the club to the last eight of the Asian Champions League, his inability to retain the Arabian Gulf League and having no title to show for the UAE season has landed his future with the club in the dark.
“Really, I can’t say anything against my team. I can just be proud of my players as they did a good job, but we missed many chances, and in penalties, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win,” said Dalic.
“This is football; tomorrow’s a new day, a new challenge,” he added. “My players dominated, did everything, but missed a second goal. This is football, sometimes it happens like this.”
Dalic, however, expressed his desire to stay in the UAE even if it is not with Al Ain. “I have built my name here in UAE and my target is to stay here. Al Ain club has given me everything and I will stay Ainawi forever. I’m always fighter and optimistic. It is not always possible to be at one club for 10 years but I’m confident of doing well as a coach whereever I am.”
