(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Zlatko Dalic hopes Al Ain will play with better coordination as they take on Emirates Club during the Arabian Gulf League match at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Thursday night.
In their last match, Al Ain were out of shape against Baniyas and were rescued by Caio's stunner. The Croat said the match was filled with missed chances. "I'm not happy at the goal-scoring rate. We got two goals in the local and Continental matches. In the game against Baniyas we missed many chances. We have to improve our offensive level," he said at a Press conference. Dalic said the hunt for new talent is on. "We don't want to sign bench players as that would be a grave mistake. We are targeting the best elements in the Arabian Gulf League. The search for two or three players is on and we will strive to bring in the best as we are the only team to compete on all fronts." Al Ain are looking to pin down Emirates and go into the AFC Champions League semis with full confidence. Initially, the match was a home tie for Emirates but Al Ain requested for a transfer as they will face Qatari side El Jaish at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium next week. "I thank Emirates for approving this switch. This will help our preparations for the first leg of the AFC Champions League semis on September 27," Dalic said. "We will lose six hours in the bus going and coming back from Ras Al Khaimah." Asked if Emirates match was seen as a practice match for the big test, he said: "We can't ignore the Arabian Gulf League." As a word of caution, he said: "I hope there are no more injuries." The team is carrying a few injuries. Keeper Khalid Eisa is sure to miss the match. "The keeper tore a muscle. I hope Mohammed Busanda will come good." Defenders Mohamed Ahmed and Mohammed Fayez are set to sit out with injury. "Ahmed is one of the main pillars in defence but I am happy with the return of Fawzi Fayez." Remaining hopeful, the coach said: "Big teams always bypass such circumstances and win challenges. Our aim is to win." In the other match of the night, Dubai powerhouses - Al Ahli and Al Nasr - will clash at the Maktoum Stadium. Both the clubs have started their League campaigns with emphatic wins. Al Nasr punished Al Dhafra 4-2 and Al Ahli destroyed Emirates 4-nil. In their first meeting this season, the 'Blues' ruled over the reigning League champions with Khalifa Mubarak's solitary goal. Both teams will be desperate to prove themselves and the Knights will have a tough task to tame Al Nasr at home. Share
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