The Boss claimed a hard-fought 3-0 home triumph against already relegated Al Shaab on Saturday to briefly go within three points of champions-elect Al Ahli. That gap was extended back to six hours later though when the Red Knights secured a gritty 1-0 triumph at AFC Champions League-chasing Al Nasr thanks to red-hot January signing Moussa Sow’s lone goal.
A single point is all Cosmin Olaroiu’s side require in their remaining two games to capture a second AGL title in three seasons – but Dalic says his men will not give up.
“We have to do the best in the next two games and what will be for Ahli will be,” said a forlorn Croatian after the Shaab victory.
The Garden City side’s final matches are at Fujairah and home to Emirates Club, both of whom are scrapping to avoid relegation, while Ahli host Bani Yas and Shaab.
“It’s not easy, I understand, but we have to be ready for the next two games and do our best,” added Dalic, who nevertheless feels his players will have to improve after a lacklustre display against the Commandos. “We have won 18 games in the league, the same as last season when we were winners. We have to stay positive but play much better.
We have to stay positive but play much better – Zlatko Dalic
“If you play against a team with 10 players behind the ball you must play quickly, but we didn’t. We didn’t score a quick goal like we wanted. My players tried their best but at 0-0 they were nervous and didn’t play the way they wanted.”
Romanian counterpart Olaroiu was delighted with his side in victory against the Blue Wave and hopes his players can now finish the job. “It is important to get three points in the next game then the championship will be resolved,” said Olaroiu, who won two AGL titles in charge of the Boss in 2012 and 2013.
“Officially the league is not over, we must continue to work in the same way until the title is achieved.
“The first half (against Nasr) was balanced. In the second half we expected a physical decline in their players, but they gave a great performance and put pressure on us, but in the end we achieved three important points.
“I hope they take this and now have this winning mentality and don’t give up. I hope we continue in the same way. I told the players the league has become a destination, it is within your own hands.”