Al Ain ready for Juventus in Club World Cup opener, coach Ivic says

Dubai: Al Ain coach Vladimir Ivic said his boys were ready for Italian giants Juventus as they open their campaign in the Group G of the Club World Cup on Thursday.

"The most important thing is to deal with this challenge as professionals," said Ivic. "We have to everything right each day all through our preparations, and not only during our matches," he added.

After their opening match against the Serie A giants Juventus, Al Ain will next travel to Atlanta to play eight-time Premier League winners Manchester City, before concluding their group stage fixtures against Wydad from Morocco in Washington, D.C. on June 26.

"The preparations have been very organised in a positive atmosphere. The boys are focused on their first match which the most important match in the team's journey at this tournament," Ivic noted.

"We have been here for two weeks now, and everything is going on very well according to the plans. The players are well aware of the mega size of this sporing event, so they are feeling immensely thrilled to represent the club,” he added.

Al Ain captain Khalid Eisa said the opening match is very crucial and the boys are focused on getting a positive result. "The first match is considered as the cornerstone. We are fully focussed on that and the team is mentally and physically ready for it. We want to send a message to our fans that we are here to honour you and we will do our best," he said.

"We did not come here for just participating but to send a strong message that we are here to compete hard," he added.

Al Ain secured their place at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, defeating Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos 6-3 over two legs in the final.