The Croatian’s contract expires in a matter of days and he is expected to cut ties with the Garden City club after a two-year stint during which he won the Arabian Gulf League title, the President’s Cup and the Arabian Gulf Super Cup.
They also made it to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League, Asia’s premier club competition, in 2014, losing eventually to Dalic’s former employers, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, 4-2 on aggregate.
Dalic has faced heavy criticism this season as the Boss surrendered their AGL crown to Al Ahli as well as for his inability to attract big-name signings.
All-action South Korea midfielder Lee, however, believes the fans should be happy for what they have won under the 49-year-old. “Everyone has a good relationship with him (Dalic),” said Lee following Sunday’s heart-breaking penalty shooutout defeat to Jazira.
“I look back on the last two seasons and we won the League, the President’s Cup, qualified for the Champions League and reached the semi-finals which was a huge achievement, so we should be really happy for that.
“For the players we did very well. It’s different on the management side but from the players we played very well as a team because the coach made this team. Dalic always communicates with his players.”
The 26-year-old was the only player retained by Al Ain from his debut campaign in 2014/15, while star striker Asamoah Gyan, Miroslav Stoch and Jires Kembo Ekoko all moved on.
The man with 13 international caps for the Taeguk Warriors has a year remaining on his contract and is determined to stay in the Emirates and bring success back to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
“We have all the competitions again next season to play for and I want to help the team win these trophies,” he said. “I have another year left on my contract. I’m planning to be here to win these trophies.”
