Boss Cosmin Olaroiu is not bothered about whether Al Ahli sweep to a record points total, as the champions-elect prepare to reclaim the Arabian Gulf League title.
If holders Al Ain fail to beat relegation-threatened Fujairah tonight or the leaders avoid defeat against Bani Yas on Friday, then a seventh crown is theirs with a game to spare. This would come a year after one of the worst defences during the professional era ended in a distant seventh spot.
Victories against the Sky Blues and the final meeting with bottom-placed Al Shaab would see a historic 66 points reached, though Olaroiu stressed getting past the many obstacles along the way was the ultimate validation.
He said: “I do not see records. We only look to achieve titles after a very long journey in a season interrupted by hard work and effort.
“We played from the quarterfinals to the finals of the 2015 AFC Champions League, lost a very important player in our attack (Lima, to a knee injury) and we played so many games within 45 days. All these things. I talked with the players in order to be highly concentrated and continue in the same level in the coming period.”
Bani Yas have been cast in the role of potential party poopers. If Al Ain see off second-bottom Fujairah, a shock win at Rashid Stadium for the visitors will extend the fight to the final day of the season on May 8.
For coach Dr Abdullah Misfer, he was more concerned about taking a run of two wins from three matches under his watch into the President’s Cup rather than the ramifications of any upset.
He said: “We can enjoy the game against Al Ahli because Ahli are looking for the result which will guarantee the championship. That’s why it’s good for us. We will fight and if we keep the spirit as it is, I think we can do a lot. I like to play against big teams, but my mind is busy with the President’s Cup.”
Meanwhile, Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic has told his down-heartened squad they still have plenty to play for despite the imminent loss of their top-flight crown. The holders travel to relegation-battlers Fujairah knowing no matter what they do, Ahli are likely to officially dethrone them.
Despite the expected disappointment, the Croatian supremo asserted the importance of Tuesday’s must-win clash at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium against Nasaf to advance into the AFC Champions League’s knockout stages or next month’s resumption of the President’s Cup.
“We are well aware our mission against Fujairah will not be easy, because they have no choice but to win the match if they want to stay in the Arabian Gulf League,” the 49-year-old said. “But we are required to win and go back to Al Ain with three points.
“I am well aware that the fans are not happy with our position in the league. After winning the title, we are now in second place – but our season is not over yet.
“We look forward to reclaiming the President’s Cup and want to compete strongly in the AFC Champions League.
“I hope to finish the season in a way which is consistent with the aspirations of the Al Ain supporters, because every season we promise to win many titles and achieve many things.”
