It is only a matter of time until Al Ain’s new foreign trio show their class, according to coach Zlatko Dalic.

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike, Netherlands winger Ryan Babel and Brazilian midfielder Fellipe Bastos have all been bought by the Arabian Gulf League champions this summer.

The scale of the change has been reflected in their friendly results, a third straight loss coming in Sunday’s 2-1 reversal to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

But Bastos, 25, broke their goal-scoring drought with a 25-yard free-kick and Dalic believed this was a harbinger of future success ahead of today’s meeting with Xavi’s Al Sadd.

He said: “The foreign players have begun to gain harmony and homogeneity with the group. We have seen a marked improvement. I believe Emenike and Babel need time with the team to succeed. 

“Fellipe Bastos is coping with the team and scored a superb goal. But all foreigners need time with the team in order to show their best.”

The Boss follow up their game against the Qataris with Saturday’s Morocco/UAE Super Cup clash with Botola Pro holders Wydad Casablanca.

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Meanwhile, Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu is convinced excellent pre-season work will see reward in their upcoming AFC Champions League quarter-final clash with Naft Tehran.

The Red Knights are building for the 2015/16 campaign, special attention being paid to August 26’s first-leg tie in Iran, Ahli hosting the return match on September 16. 

When asked how he felt his players were performing in Italy ahead of tonight’s friendly against Internazionale, Olaroiu only had kind words to say.

“I give them a 99.9 per-cent rating, they are doing a fantastic job,” he said.