Football: Dalic to stay on as The Boss

Abu Dhabi - Coach Zlatko Dalic has ended suspense over his future and agreed to a two-year contract with Al Ain Football Club

 
Coach Zlatko Dalic has ended suspense over his future and agreed to a two-year contract with Al Ain Football Club.
The Croatian's contract had expired following the President's Cup final, which Al Ain lost to Al Jazira. In the Press conference after the loss, he had given enough hints that he would like to stay at the club.
"I never said I will go out from Al Ain, but I have choices to see what's best for me. I'll see what's happening with Al Ain. This is my club; if I go out I'm really proud of my time here. I will stay 'Ainnawi' forever," he had said.
"If not here, I would like to continue at any other club in the UAE," he had said in a terse warning.
And Al Ain Club News twitter account on Tuesday confirmed the deal tweeting he will remain at Al Ain for next two years. The twitter account also said the interim committee formed after axing the board of directors of both - Al Ain FC and its investment arm Al Ain Club Investment Company - would continue to function.
It added that Dalic's continuation provided 'stability' to Al Ain FC.
Even though Dalic had won the Moroccan Super Cup, finished second in the Arabian Gulf League and qualified for the AFC Champions League last 8, he had a tumultuous time at the club.
During two post-match Press conferences, he had mentioned that he is aware that 'someone' has a problem with him. It remains clueless as to who that 'someone' is. Also, he had to face rant on Twitter. This made him to remark: "I'm not a superman."
When the Board of Directors were dissolved following the controversial BMW ad, it was widely believed that Dalic may be able to better negotiate a new deal. And he has finally come on top.
Now the tactician will look to turn the page.
He will enjoy his break with family knowing full well the task ahead - the AFC Champions League quarters round in August.
Also, he will look to net some useful legs from the summer transfer market.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com