Al Ain boss Zlatko Dalic demands more from his foreign stars

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  • Al Ain manager Zlatko Dalic giving Rashed Essa (l) some instructions.

    Coach Zlatko Dalic has sent out an ominous message that Ryan Babel and Al Ain’s new-look foreign contingent can get even better despite last night’s Arabian Gulf Super Cup triumph.

    The Boss eased to a 4-2 season-opening victory against Al Nasr Sunday night, with the fresh faces playing key roles. 

    Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike struck a decisive brace on his competitive debut, Brazilian centre midfielder Fellipe Bastos was the best player on the park and Babel showed flashes of the ability expected of a former Ajax and Liverpool winger.

    But speaking after securing his third trophy in one-and-a-half years in charge, Dalic challenged Babel and his team-mates to 
    improve their output.

    “I have to be honest, I’m not too happy with how my team played but what was important was the result,” the 48-year-old said. “I want more and I want better from the foreign players, especially Ryan Babel. They are working well but they need time. 

    “We scored an early goal and tried to control the game. We didn’t have the same intensity during a few moments and that happens. And Al Nasr fought back.

    “We made changes in the second half and managed to score three goals. It is great to open the season with the trophy.

    “It will be a good stepping stone for the future. It is a great for us and a great result because it is the first game of the season, the Super Cup – it will be a big motivation for us.”

    The contest swung in the UAE champions’ favour past the hour mark, full-back Mohammed Fayez and Emenike making the score 3-1 soon after Jamal Maroof had put the Blue Wave level. 

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    Boss Ivan Jovanovic admitted Nasr had failed to keep pace.

    “I want to congratulate Al Ain on winning the Super Cup,” he said. “It was a good and interesting game throughout the 90 minutes. It was a balanced game with chances for both teams.

    “The reason we lost was when we equalised in the second half, we conceded two quick goals in a short period of time after that. That made things difficult for us. Of course, we are disappointed by this result.

    “We wanted to win the Super Cup. But I cannot complain. My players gave their best.”

    Al Ain’s overall quality and strength was overpowering, yet this defeat was partly self-induced.

    Makeshift centre-back Renan Garcia played Emenike onside for the early opener, goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh comically flapped for the third and centre-back Ismail Ahmed was left unmarked for the fourth.

    “Everyone makes mistakes,” 

    Jovanovic added. “Mistakes play a great role in football and every mistake we made, we conceded a goal. 

    “It is difficult when you are controling the game and you concede two quick goals. And we were playing against a quality team, who can take advantage of any mistakes.”

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