Oussama Assaidi has admitted he had to get used to playing a waiting game before showing his best form for Al Ahli. Assaidi, 26, was one of a trio of signings when he joined the Red Knights from Premier League giants Liverpool during the winter market.

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His career in the UAE has been a slow burner thus far, though he was one of the better players on the pitch when his side defeated Al Ain 1-0 in last Friday’s rescheduled Arabian Gulf Super Cup and has scored twice in his last three Arabian Gulf League matches. 

The winger will face the Boss again tonight when the top flight resumes after the international break. 

The combatants are experiencing contrasting domestic fortunes, defending champions Ahli slumping to sixth while Al Ain enjoy a four-point lead in first place.

Assaidi believes he will be able to have an even bigger influence at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium tonight (Thursday) as he transitions from the frantic Premier League to the more sedate AGL. He said: “When I came, the team was not doing well. We’re getting better and better, but we need time. Also, with the new players and everything. With me, now I’m getting better.

“I have to get used to this level because in Europe the football is faster, whereas here is slower and sometimes you don’t get the ball when you want it. “Sometimes you have to wait a long time for the ball – this is the style of football. But every week I’m improving.”

The Super Cup triumph means the treble holders have at least secured some silverware from a disastrous campaign. Their defence of the Arabian Gulf Cup ended at the group stage, while they currently sit bottom of their AFC Champions League group. 

Assaidi hoped that the confidence gained from last week’s win will help propel them forwards in the final months of the season. He said: “We’ll keep going and aim for the highest position. We have to improve every week and see where we’ll go.

“When I came we were already not doing well in the league, but in one game we’ve made the season very good. Also, if we qualify in the Asian Champions League it can be a big season.”

Meanwhile, Red Knights boss Cosmin Olaroiou has urged his players not to get carried away by their Super Cup success. Ahli still have plenty to play for in the league.

Unless they win the ACL or post-season President’s Cup, they will need to overturn a six-point deficit to fourth-placed Al Wahda in the final six matches to qualify for Asian competition next term.

He said: “We just played against Al Ain a couple of days ago, and now we play them again but it will be different – different motivations, different targets.

“After winning the Super Cup we want to keep the same level and to play with the same determination, concentration and attention.

“But we are keen not to let the Super Cup triumph go to the players’ heads. “To succeed in sport and in life you have to treat defeat and success in the same way.”