Al Ain Targets Six Titles as Champions Begin Intensive Preseason
Al Ain target six titles as UAE champions begin an intensive preseason after a major squad overhaul, five new signings and back-to-back camps in Morocco and Spain.
Al Ain prepares to defend double and chase six trophies
Al Ain begins the new campaign as defending Pro League and President’s Cup champions and is aiming to contest six trophies this season. The club’s ambition extends from domestic cups and Super Cups to a return to the AFC Champions League Elite, expanding pressure and expectation on the reigning double winners.
The ambition to win six titles shapes the squad-building and preparation strategy ahead of the domestic season and continental commitments. Club officials and coaching staff have publicly framed this as a push to convert last season’s success into sustained dominance.
Extensive roster changes reshape squad dynamics
The club completed one of its largest roster overhauls in recent years, with 16 players departing following contract expirations or loan arrangements. Management moved quickly to replenish the squad by signing five new players intended to add depth, experience and versatility across the pitch.
New arrivals include Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, Cameroonian forward Baba Ailo, Austrian winger Valentino Lazaro, Serbian midfielder Georg Skoko and Brazilian midfielder Marcos Maia. The mix of profiles gives the coaching staff more tactical options as the team prepares to contest multiple competitions simultaneously.
Two-stage preseason camps in Morocco and Spain
Al Ain’s preseason plan has been split into two phases, beginning with a training block in Morocco that concluded on a positive note. The Morocco stint included intensive fitness work and a comprehensive match that ended in a 6-0 victory against a Casablanca-based development side, highlighting sharp attacking practice.
The second phase shifted to Spain, where the squad has continued targeted tactical work and match simulations. The overseas schedule is designed to accelerate cohesion among new signings and to test different formations under competitive friendly conditions.
Friendly schedule used to test systems and sharpen fitness
On the Spanish leg of the tour the team recorded a 2-2 draw with Elche and a 1-1 stalemate against Saudi side Al-Diriyah, while also facing a narrow 1-0 defeat to Toulouse in a tougher test. Coaching staff have used the sequence of friendlies to trial rotations, assess defensive solidity and refine attacking link-up play.
Officials describe the results as part of an incremental build-up rather than judgement on readiness, noting improvements game by game. The last scheduled friendly in Spain, against Osasuna, will serve as a final rehearsal before the squad returns to the UAE to complete preparations.
Midfielder Alejandro ‘Kaku’ sets high expectations
Midfield talisman Alejandro Kaku has articulated the squad’s mindset, saying the team wants to add more trophies and relies heavily on fan support. Kaku stressed that the group has trained diligently in both Morocco and Spain and that the friendly matches have helped the team progress toward optimum readiness.
His comments underline the internal belief that physical conditioning and tactical clarity will be decisive as Al Ain pursues multiple competitions. The player singled out sustained backing from supporters as a core element of the club’s competitive edge going into the season.
Continental return adds pressure and prestige
Al Ain’s schedule is complicated by their return to the AFC Champions League Elite, the continent’s top club competition, where the club previously captured the title in 2024. Continental commitments will demand careful squad management and rotation to preserve performance levels across domestic and Asian fixtures.
Balancing the expectation to dominate locally with the rigours of elite continental travel and opposition is a familiar challenge for top Gulf clubs. Success in Asia would enhance Al Ain’s regional standing and validate the club’s recruitment and preseason strategy.
With the season-opening fixtures approaching, Al Ain faces a compressed window to integrate new signings and refine tactical plans. The coaching staff’s immediate task is to convert positive training signals into consistent match performances across all competitions.
Preparations conclude with the final friendly in Spain before the squad returns home to finalise logistics and sharpen matchday routines ahead of the league opener. The coming weeks will test whether Al Ain’s overhaul and preseason work are sufficient to sustain a six-title challenge.
