The Boss were pushed to the limit in their bid to reach the round of 16, rebounding from a pair of opening losses to Qatar’s El Jaish to finish second in Group D.
A two-legged meeting kicks-off at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium this evening, with the Croatian supremo expecting another examination of his 2014 semi-finalists.
He said: “If my team plays our style and what we prepare, I am not afraid. We had most difficult situation before we played Al Ahli Jeddah, following two losses against El Jaish.
“Our players showed character and a strong mentality, coming back to their game in the AFC Champions League. We have next game in Iran, but we want to win and pass into the best eight teams in Asia.
“We must not make any mistakes, having full concentration for 90 minutes.
“It will be a very tough game. Our opponent has a lot of running and are very strong – we have to be patient, patient, patient.”
There is still plenty for Al Ain to play for in the final fortnight of the campaign as they bid to get over the loss of their Arabian Gulf League crown. A third-successive entry into the quarter-finals of the continent’s premier club competition can be achieved in the next seven days, while sandwiched in between is Saturday’s battle with Bani Yas for a spot in the President’s Cup final.
Immediate opponents Zob Ahan – nicknamed the Crocodiles – could only limp home sixth in the 2015/16 Persian Gulf Pro League. But they raced to top spot in Group B of the ACL, winning their last three matches to an aggregate score of 11-2.
Coach Yahya Golmohammadi – a 74-times-capped centre-back for Iran – highlighted UAE superstar Omar Abdulrahman as the major threat to the beaten 2010 finalists.
He said: “We must fight against Al Ain, who are one of the best teams in Asia. We went through hardship to get here and we will endure.
“Al Ain have very dangerous players, like Omar Abdulrahman. He only needs one second to decide the game and we must watch him.”
The teams meet again next Wednesday in Isfahan’s 15,000-capacity Foolad Shahr Stadium.
