The Croatian coach has won four titles during his two seasons in the Garden City but has attracted criticism from the club’s fans this campaign after they surrendered their Arabian Gulf League title to rivals Al Ahli, managed by former coach Cosmin Olaroiu.
They also sold star striker Asamoah Gyan last summer, with the club’s reduced outlay on players such as Emmanuel Emenike and Ryan Babel, as well as their lack of success, used as a stick with which to beat Dalic.
In a heartfelt speech ahead of Sunday’s final clash with Al Jazira, Dalic said he feels sorry for his critics and that his record of success at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium for itself.
“I will be honest with you, it’s been a tough time behind me but I am strong, I am a fighter and I just focus on my team and players,” said Dalic, who just four days ago steered the Boss into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.
“I pray for people who are against me. Inshallah we will make the best season in the history of Al Ain tomorrow because we took the UAE-Morocco Super Cup, Arabian Gulf Super Cup, we are in the quarter-finals of Asia, second in the league and Inshallah the President’s Cup, but I am not Superman. What can I do, what do they want of me?”
Dalic’s contract with the Boss expires next month and he is being linked with a move to the club he leads his team out against Sunday, although he said he would be “stupid” to address rumours.
“I will be a coach again tomorrow, after tomorrow I’m unsure whether it’s Al Ain or another club,” said the 49-year-old.
“I have an offer on my table but my focus is on my club. Tomorrow my contract is finished. I will take a rest with my family and make a decision about my future.
“It will be stupid if I think about people who are against me. In the last four years, I am the only coach in Asia who has passed the Champions League group stage every year, but it’s not enough for some people on Twitter saying ‘Zlatko Out’ and ‘Zlatko is not good’.
“I came here with no name but I built my name. Who helped me? My players because they know with me they can do anything, take every trophy. I will take care of some stupid writing against me? No, I just pray to him.
“Thanks to everyone for their support, the fans who stayed behind me, they know what I’ve done. If someone doesn’t respect that it’s not my problem.
“Maybe I’m not an interesting man because here I haven’t had an accident or a fight, but I am not Superman. Sorry for a long speech but I speak from my heart.”
Dalic admitted Jazira will be at an advantage following the Boss’ continental exploits on Wednesday, with Henk ten Cate’s men well res-ted. However, he also believed his side’s 2-0 win against Zob Ahan, the club’s first on Iranian soil, will also provide a fillip for his players.
He added: “We are one of the best eight teams in Asia, it was the first time in club history we won in Iran and I’m sure this game will be a benefit for us.
“We are a little bit tired but Inshallah we will be ready. I know they will give everything for the trophy, for the club, for their career, for me. I believe in my team, my players and I have full confidence.”
