AFC Champions League: Zoran Mamic - We are ready for anyone

Al Ain FC manager Zoran Mamic stated that his side are focused on securing all three points in their AFC Champions League game against FC Bunyodkor on Monday in order to win Group C.

"We have a strong desire to pursue positive results in the tournament, and our major goal is to win the three points in order to be on top of Group C," the Croatian said at his press conference on Sunday.

Al Ain's form at home has been less than impressive and they have instead managed to pick up away wins that has helped them secure qualification for the Round of 16 but Mamic refuted claims that his side have not been playing well in front of their home support.

"I do not think we lost in our stadium in the continental tournament; rather, our best matches in the competition this season were the games against Zob Ahan FC and Saudi Al Ahli FC in our stadium, and in football, we sometimes find a team that is performing well but lacks success," he explained. 

"What matters most is that our team shows honorable performances with full concentration, avoidS errors and takes advantage of the chances in front of goal, hoping that we manage to turn these efforts into wins moving forward," he added.

The UAE side's coach is wary of their opponent's quality and is expecting a tough game.

"We are fully aware that FC Bunyodkor is a distinguished team, and the evidence for this is their win against Saudi Al Ahly FC."

Al Ain will be without defender Ismael Ahmed and midfielder Ahmed Parman due to suspension and are expected to take the opportunity to give younger players a chance.

The match kicks-off at 1940 GST on Monday.