Asamoah Gyan concedes Al Ain’s UAE Premier League title defence is under serious threat with all the teams determined to halt his team’s recent surge.
The Garden City club have dominated almost all domestic competitions since the arrival of the Ghana striker from Sunderland two seasons ago.
Al Ain have won back-to-back Premier League titles while the Black Stars captain have also claimed respective Goal King awards.
Al Ain’s recent success however is being threatened especially with rivals Al Ahli strengthening in almost all departments.
Al Ain’s Dubai rivals have not only made several quality signings this off-season aside retaining the services of deadly Brazil striker Grafite, but have also stripped the Boss of their coach Cosmin Olariou – with whom they have enjoyed recent success.
And though still confident his side will still be challenging on all fronts – Gyan has been honest enough to admit they face probably the most difficult challenge in the coming season.
“It will be a bit complicated this year. Everybody has got Al Ain in the back of their head and everybody wants to stop Al Ain,†he said.
“We will see how we start. We have quality players capable of winning again so why not?
“It’s not only Cosmin’s change. For the past two years Al Ahli and Al Ain have created a big rivalry. Every team wants to beat Al Ain.â€
Al Ain will travel to Al Shabab in their league opener but not before facing their cross town rivals; Al Ahli in an expected epic clash for the Super Cup at the end of August.