Al Ain midfielder Ibrahim Diaky has refused to point the finger for Sunday’s Clasico defeat solely at the defence, blaming a collective “lack of concentration” instead.
Mirko Vucinic’s incredible four-goal haul proved decisive as Al Jazira prevailed 4-3 and condemned the Boss to their first Arabian Gulf League loss of the season.
The summer signing exhibited the class expected of a triple Serie A winner to take full advantage of the suspect defending from the visitors at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Vucinic scored two headers, converted a penalty and produced an unbelievable low finish from an acute angle to seal the victory.
Centre-backs Ismail and Mohamed Ahmed were given a torrid evening by the 10-goal top-scorer, but Diaky shared the blame throughout the side.
The 32 year old said: “It was disappointing to lose the game through a lack of concentration. We controlled the first half, then in the second Jazira started attacking in a better way.
“Vucinic had four chances and scored them all. He is a world-class player, and it was typical of him to finish so well.
“The whole team didn’t show concentration. It is wrong to just say it was the defence’s fault.
“It is disappointing, but we have two games in hand. We need to fight now, as Al Ain are not a small team.”
Mitigating circumstances bec-ame apparent for Al Ain as soon as the teamsheets were revealed.
Star striker Asamoah Gyan was set to miss the match from the moment he was dismissed in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League semi-final exit to Al Hilal, but UAE playmaker Omar Abdulrahman’s absence to a knee injury was a surprise.
The latter’s withdrawal handed Diaky his first start of the season, coming at the home of the club he made more than 200 appearances for before heading to Al Ain in 2013.
“They are very important players for Al Ain,” the Ivory Coast-born player said.
“But it is a team game. We have a group full of quality players, and their absence is not an excuse. It is always special playing at my old club. Both Jazira and Al Ain feel like family.
“It was great to start. I was trying to organise things in the first half, but it was more difficult in the second. I felt a bit tired because of a lack of playing.”