Al Ain player, international Eric Gerets, stated that pressure in football is more of a privilege than a difficulty facing players, while emphasizing the need to work hard in every upcoming match to compete for all the tournaments the team is participating in. This comes after "The Leader" topped the ADNOC Pro League table and reached the President's Cup quarter-finals. In an interview with "Al Ittihad", Eric responded to a question about the current pressure from competitors: "For me, pressure is a privilege, and it's important to embrace and enjoy it. For example, last season we played without pressure, and it's difficult when you play without motivation". Gerets, who recently returned to the field after injury, added: "Pressure is useful because without it you cannot deliver a great performance. When you feel pressure, it means people trust you, and you are fighting for something special. This is life, players crave special moments, and if you play for a big club, this is the best moment". Al Ain leads the league with 30 points, four ahead of Al Ahli and five ahead of Al Wahda. Commenting on the team's good position and season goal, Eric said: "We want to win all trophies. In the past, we never chose one tournament. For example, in my second season we won two trophies and reached the quarter-finals, and in my third we reached three finals and lost them all". The player, who has played 122 matches for "The Leader", added: "When you are a player at Al Ain, you must understand that you have to compete for all trophies. We, as players, must give our best because the opportunities are there for everyone". Eric Gerets also expressed his desire to present his best version in 2026, saying: "I aspire for 2026 to be the best in my career. I think this way every season. For me, this year I want to be the best version of Eric, the best player and the best human. This is my goal, and I am determined to achieve it". Regarding the difference between his first and current season at Al Ain, Eric said: "I have become more experienced, intelligent, and insightful. I also take better care of my health. Now I have more experience, energy, and courage". In his message to the fans, he said: "I want to thank them for supporting me and my family. Al Ain is my home, and I will always give my best on the field". Meanwhile, the Al Ain team has stepped up its preparations for the Abu Dhabi clásico against Al Wahda. The match will take place the day after tomorrow at 19:45 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in the 13th round of the league. The team's training sessions, held at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, saw the arrival of new Romanian player Adrian Șut, who will be ready to play in Saturday's match after being officially registered with the football federation.
Eric Gerets: "I aspire for 2026 to be the best in my football and human life... When you are a player at Al Ain, you have to compete for all trophies."
