Al Ain defensive midfielder Lee Myung-joo has no intention of resting on his laurels when the champions begin their defence on Friday night against Al Dhafra.
Lee, 25, proved a smart recruit last term after his $5 million purchase from Pohang Steelers. He made 23 top-flight appearance, playing a key role as the Boss cruised to the 2014/15 title.
But speaking before the opener at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium versus the Western Knights, the Yeungnam University-youth product insists he can step up another level.
He said: “From what I did last year, I know I can do better. It was not enough. This year, I will do more to improve myself and to win more trophies for the team. I am also hoping to see more fans in the stadium, their support always helps us.”
Al Ain possessed the meanest defence last season but have proven surprisingly porous prior to the top-flight kick-off. Including last Saturday’s 4-2 Arabian Gulf Super Cup triumph against Al Nasr, they have let in 12 goals during six games.
This period has included the settling in of new foreign trio Emmanuel Emenike, Fellipe Bastos and Ryan Babel. Coach Zlatko Dalic believes his team would become firmer with more time spent together.
He said: “I know we have conceded many, many goals. But if you look, last season we had the best defence in the Arabian Gulf League [19 conceded during 26 matches].
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“More training and matches will give more confidence to the players and let them get to know each other better. We can solve this issue.”
Dhafra provided tricky opponents for the Boss last term, claiming a 1-1 draw thanks to star striker Makhete Diop’s wonder goal. He said: “It will not be easy for us, but we will fight to get three points. In the first home game, it is important to win and gain confidence.
“Al Dhafra is not easy, we know what happened last season and they have quality players like Makhete Diop. But we will do our best.”
New boy Emenike – the replacement for star striker Asamoah Gyan after his sale to Shanghai SIPG – is expected to start despite coming off with a knock in the Super Cup.
