Al Ain’s dominant victory earned without foreign stars Ryan Babel and Emmanuel Emenike against Arabian Gulf League title hopefuls Al Nasr proved nobody’s place is safe, according to boss Zlatko Dalic.
The champions swept to a fearsome 3-0 win in Dubai last night against previously-undefeated opponents despite Netherlands winger Babel, 28, being an unused substitute and Nigeria striker Emenike, 28, being sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Reserve striker Saeed Al Kathiri struck the opener from the penalty spot and was one of several Boss second stringers to take their chance, Dalic stating training ground displays dictate his selection policy rather than reputations.
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He said: “Saeed is now our first striker. I gave a chance to him as for the last few games he has scored goals, in the league and Arabian Gulf Cup. That is most important. He deserved this chance.
“We scored three goals today and played without Emmanuel Emenike and Ryan Babel. But for me, the team which does well in training is always your best team.
“I am always with my players, every day, and I see what happens and who is in better form. Then I make my decision. But, also in my roster there is pressure on Emenike and Babel. Inshallah next game, they will be there as I need everybody.”
Nasr came into the match in third spot and with aspirations of converting President’s Cup and AG Cup success into a shot at the league crown. But the Blue Wave were blown away.
“I believe it was a fair win for Al Ain,” said coach Ivan Jovanovic.
“It was a game of great importance for both teams and in these cases small details determine the outcome. As a team we wanted too much to win. Every mistake we made we were punished by a goal.”
Red-hot Al Ahli are up for next for Dalic’s men, Saturday’s fixture pitting them against AFC Champions league finalists who currently boast a perfect six wins from six AGL matches this term.
“It was also not the best performance my team can play,” the Croatian said. “We were lucky as Khaled Essa saved a few chances. We now have to prepare for the game versus Al Ahli.”
