ABU DHABI 16 August 2018: Senior officials and players from Al Ain FC believe the club’s famously loyal and passionate fans can help the reigning Arabian Gulf League champions progress to the latter stages of the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 in December.
With the UAE’s host team due to face-off against the continental club champions from six Fifa confederations – Europe (UEFA), Oceania (OFC), Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), South America (Conmebol) and North and Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf) – in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi between December 12-22, Al Ain FC management and players alike have stressed the importance of home advantage.
“There will be world-class clubs playing in this competition and we will stand together and show the same strength that saw us win the double this season. The world will see how the sons of the desert perform,” says Ghanem Mubarak Al Hejari, Chairman of Al Ain FC. “Al Ain fans and the UAE in general love their sport, love their football and I know they will be looking forward to 12 December when the tournament starts – home support will be key to our hopes.”
Speaking from the team’s pre-season training camp in Europe, Zorin Mamic, the Al Ain FC coach echoed his chairman’s sentiments: “For the country and football fans in the Emirates it is a big thing to see these international players in the flesh, but we know our loyal fans will create an atmosphere that drives our players to perform above and beyond themselves,” said the Croatian.
Egyptian attacking midfielder Hussein El Shahat, who is poised to play a key role in Al Ain FC’s quest to secure a memorable semi-final clash against Real Madrid, also backed his club’s supporters to make an impact.
“It will be great playing in front of our home fans in Al Ain – they always support us home and away. It makes a huge difference to us as players to know we have this unwavering support from our loyal fans,” said El Shahat.
Although the prospect of coming up against ¬- and having to stop – superstars of the international game represents a heavy burden for Al Ain FC players, UAE defender Ismail Ahmed is optimistic nationwide support will spur ‘The Boss’ to glory.
“We have great fans that support the team throughout the year, and this will give us huge support and a big boost in the tournament,” said Ahmed. “Our fans are the best in the UAE, but we hope all UAE fans will support us because we are playing for all of the Emirates.”