Zlatko Dalic is warning his players to be wary of a wounded Al Wahda as he takes his Al Ain side to the capital looking for a fourth straight Arabian Gulf League win in the Emirates Clasico on Saturday night.
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The Boss have put an atrocious pre-season aside by getting off to a flying start domestically, recording victories against Al Dhafra, Al Wasl and Sharjah.
Not much has gone right for new Wahda boss Javier Aguirre, though, since an opening day 4-0 thrashing of Dibba Al Fujairah.
The Clarets lost 1-0 to Al Shabab and suffered heartache in the Abu Dhabi derby, beaten by a 95th minute Yaser Matar winner against Al Jazira eight days ago in an epic encounter.
Dalic, however, insists that the Clasico might be exactly what Wahda need to pick themselves up.
“They did not expect the loss of two out of three in the league, which will be a high pressure on the team because the third loss will cause a big problem for them,” said the Croatian.
“But the game will give the winning team great incentive to return to challenge the top teams for the league title. I expect a very strong game from Al Wahda at home among their fans in the derby game.
“They lost in the last two rounds and we are aware how important it is to win in the fourth round of matches, and will be keen to do everything in order to collect the three points.”
The 48-year-old insists his players will need no motivating for the Clasico clash at Al Nahyan Stadium.
“I think that the derby game does not need to motivate the players, because they are naturally motivated to fight in these confrontations,” he said. “My players are well aware that they face great challenges and always find themselves required to win in every game.”
Mexican Aguirre, meanwhile, is trying to shift focus away from the fact it is the Emirates Clasico, insisting three points are all that matter.
“In every game we are trying to get the three points regardless of the opponent,” said the 56-year-old. “It will not be easy but all our weight is to win three points, especially as the game is at home.”
Wahda came back from the dead against Jazira, scoring two goals inside the final 16 minutes to seemingly snatch an unlikely draw, before Matar’s rocket with virtually the last kick stole the three points for the hosts.
Wahda midfielder Amer Omar confirmed the players have already turned the page on that disappointment and are firmly focused on Al Ain.
The 24-year-old UAE international said: “The players are determined to make a good performance and capture the three points.”
