Al Ain’s friendly with Manchester City today is at the bottom of their list of priorities because of the intensive demands of a packed end-of-season fixture list, according to coach Zlatko Dalic.
A draining schedule saw the Garden City side proceed to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday after dispatching UAE rivals Al Jazira, with Sunday’s President’s Cup meeting with Al Ahli coming three days after the clash with the Premier League champions at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
The Croatian paid his compliments to the Abu Dhabi-owned club’s achievements this term, but declared domestic glory this weekend at Zayed Sports City was at the forefront of his mind.
“We are not thinking too much about who will play or how we will play,” Dalic said. “For me, I have full respect for the champions of England coming here.
“My target is not Manchester City. I see only the President’s Cup.”
The 47-year-old answered “Inshallah” when asked about whether key men Omar Abdulrahman and Asamoah Gyan would feature against City.
Because of the packed programme Al Ain will draft in a number of players from across the Middle East – including Al Wahda forward Ismail Matar, plus former stars Yasser Al Qahtani and Boubacar Sanogo – to bolster their squad for the meeting with City.
Despite this step, Dalic believes the short gaps between fixtures was still causing issues.
He said: “It will be a little problem for us. Especially with this friendly game, but I will speak with my players and prepare my team for the final.
“It is difficult for us because of the four-day gap, but it is a final. I do not want to find excuses now for a final.
“It is a big game for our history, for everybody with us. We have to give everything for this game.
“I hope, Inshallah, I will prepare my team well for the final.”
