The team "Al-Ayn" launched a battle for the President Cup of the OАЭ in football, which became a serious blow to the ambitions of the "leader" to return to the top of the pedestal of national tournaments, from which it has been absent for several years now. Winning this tournament was considered a real possibility to save the season and avoid a disastrous departure from local titles. However, the team faces a complicated situation in the Professional League and the AFC Champions League. "The joy of victory in the Asian Champions League at the end of last season closed many weak spots in the team, which had experienced difficulties at the local level, which led to its exit from the fight for local titles," - said the club. This served as a sufficient indicator for identifying and correcting problems, starting with the dismissal of Argentine striker Hernan Crespo and signing contracts with big-name players this summer. Currently, while maintaining loyalty to Argentine striker and signing youth players, the weak spots that manifested during the season only increased, leading the administration to dismiss Crespo, after his team's chances in the Asian Champions League dwindled, and the team was eliminated from the first tournaments of the season. Despite the signing of a contract with experienced Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim, they faced difficulties due to the heavy legacy left by Crespo, who signed a group of Argentines, whose performances dwindled after his departure. The team won the Cup of the United Arab Emirates and the President's Cup of the OАЭ. At this moment, "Al-Ayn" is in fourth place in the tournament table of the Professional League and demonstrates weak results in the Asian Champions League. The team has the opportunity to improve its chances by concluding contracts during the current winter transfer period, and by utilizing the unique registration opportunity for participants of the club championship of the world. Salem Jahar, the former captain of "Al-Ayn", expressed that the continuity of Crespo's work was a mistake and required prompt correction. He also expressed doubts about the selection of the Portuguese coach, deeming it necessary to strengthen the defense, signing a defender, and also to receive a creative midfielder. However, in the attack, the team does not need changes, as Laba Kodjo and Sofyan Rahimi continue to forget about goals.
