New Al Ain winger Ryan Babel is “confident” the best is yet to come as he settles into Middle Eastern life.
Babel, 28, created Emmanuel Emenike’s early opener in Saturday’s 4-2 Arabian Gulf Super Cup win against Al Nasr. But he was then hooked before the hour mark on his competitive debut, fading quickly at a boiling Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Much is expected of the summer arrival from Turkey’s Kasimpasa after he enjoyed previous spells at European giants Liverpool and Ajax. The 43-times-capped Netherlands international vowed his class would tell in the coming weeks once he gets acclimatised to roasting UAE summer temperatures which push beyond 40°C.
“For me, it is a total new experience in regards to the weather conditions,” Babel said. “To be fair, I have to still get used to it a lot – even in training sessions.
“But I am confident. In the following weeks you will see me play 60 minutes or 75 minutes, slowly getting into it.
“The squad is very good, they are great guys and we have a great manager [Zlatko Dalic]. Al Ain is a good club and I am looking forward to achieving more success.”
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Babel will get another chance to show his class on Friday when Al Ain begin their Arabian Gulf League title defence at home to Al Dhafra.
For weekend opponents Nasr, the loss was a disappointing one as they look to convert President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup victories into a 2015/16 top-flight title push.
Playmaker Luis Jimenez, 31, was one of three confirmed foreign arrivals in action in Abu Dhabi. The Chile star has come to Al Maktoum Stadium after four years of success at neighbours Al Ahli.
He explained there is no lack of ambition at his new club.
He said: “We have to do our best. I cannot say we will take the league, but we will try.
“Last year, Nasr took two trophies and it is a good team. We have the obligation to try for something more.”
Nasr also have their AGL bow on Friday, hosting Emirates Club.
