Miroslav Stoch is working hard to build an instant rapport with star man Omar Abdulrahman so the pair can help Al Ain start the new season with a bang.
Stoch, 24, is an eye-catching summer signing for Zlatko Dalic’s men, after inking a one-year loan deal from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The skilful Slovakian international winger is expected to add dynamism to the ranks, with his pace complementing the guile and vision of resident playmaker Omar Abdulrahman.
And speaking at his unveiling in the Garden City last night, Stoch revealed the efforts being put in on the training pitch to ensure Al Ain’s attack is at its deadly best come the first leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-final double header against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad on August 19.
The former Chelsea youngster, who scored nine goals on loan at Greek side PAOK last season, said: “He is a great player, everybody knows about him.
“I am looking forward to playing big games, hopefully we can get to understand each other really well on the pitch. I will try to do that, and that will be good for the team.”
The Champions League tie has been an ever-present concern since Al Ain ended a mostly disappointing domestic campaign by lifting the President’s Cup with a rousing 1-0 win against Al Ahli two months ago.
The Boss enjoyed an uplift following the arrival of Dalic in March, with the additions of Stoch, versatile Bani Yas midfielder Mohammed Fawzi, South Korea tyro Lee Myong-joo and Al Wasl loanee Rashid Essa – plus the recall of lively forward Jires Kembo Ekoko following a successful spell in Qatar – only adding to the positive mood in the camp.
“The ambitions are high,” Stoch, who will wear the No99 shirt, added. “I hope we can win something this season, we are also looking forward to the AFC Champions League games.
“The first games are the most important, hopefully we can prepare and work hard.
“We have good quality in the team, so the target is to pass the quarter-finals.”
Fawzi has signed a three-year contract with Boss after being a shining light in Bani Yas’ disappointing Arabian Gulf League campaign in 2013-14. The UAE international spoke in glowing terms about his switch last night, insisting it was an honour to be drafted in by his country’s most decorated side.
“Regardless of the Champions League, just being a member of Al Ain is something to be proud of,” the 24-year-old said. “There is an added value of having Al Ain in the last eight teams [of the AFC]. This will make me think a little bit more to do my best and be of service to my colleagues.”
Dalic’s men have already spent a fortnight at a training camp in Italy. They now face friendlies against Al Kuwaiti and Saudi Professional League champions Al Nassr this week in the Al Ain International Football Championship, before travelling again for a spell in Austria at the start of next month.
The Croatian seemed content with his pre-season arrivals, stating their added speed and power has convinced him he is in charge of the “best club in the division”.
He said: “I hope Kembo can help us, especially in the AFC. I expect him to do a good job.
“I hope to bring titles to Al Ain. Our job will be hard and tough, we are the best club in the division.
"Stoch is a perfect player for what I need and asked of the club. I hope he will be happy here.”
AL AIN'S NEW FACES
MIROSLAV STOCH
Age: 24
Country of birth: Slovakia
Position: Winger
Clubs
– Nitra 2004-06
– Chelsea 2006-10
– Twente (loan) Fenerbahce 2010-present day
– PAOK (loan) 2013-14 (loan)
– Al Ain (loan) 2014-present
International record
42 appearances, 4 goals
A pacey winger, capable of sublime moments of skill. Should be an excellent foil for Omar Abdulrahman.
MOHAMMED FAWZI
Age: 24
Country of birth: United Arab Emirates
Position: Midfielder
Clubs
– Al Ahli 2007-10
– Bani Yas 2010-14
– Al Ain 2014-present
International record
12 caps, 0 goals
A burgeoning talent in the UAE ranks. Is fast, skilled and versatile. Is capable of filling in at full-back, or across in the midfield. Added bonus is fact he is one of Omar Abdulrahman’s closest friends. Playing in the Champions League will only be of benefit to his development.
LEE MYUNG-JOO
Age: 24
Country of birth: Korea
Position: Midfielder
Clubs
– Yeungnam University 2009-11
– Pohang Steelers 2012-14
– Al Ain 2014-present
International record
9 caps, 0 goals
Al Ain broke the K-League transfer record, spending Dh18.6m to bring the technically-blessed central midfielder to the Garden City. Lee replaces Alex Brosque as the club’s Asian player but on the field will fill the void left by Mirel Radoi’s departure to Al Ain.
