Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice chairman of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club's board of directors, has acknowledged the club's responsibility for the team's subpar performance this football season. In a statement released on Friday, he pledged that the club will strive to regain its winning form and restore pride to its supporters, known as Ainawis.

Al Ain FC, the most successful team in the UAE Pro League with 14 titles, has had a disappointing season by its own high standards. Currently, they have won only two out of their five league matches, placing them eighth in the standings. Their performance in the AFC Champions League has been equally lackluster, with the defending champions sitting at the bottom of their group.

Al Ain FC, nicknamed 'The Boss,' is the only UAE club to have won the Asian competition, achieving this feat twice, including the inaugural edition in 2003. The current season has seen the departure of coach Hernan Crespo, who led the team to AFC Champions League victory just six months ago. In response to these challenges, the club has appointed Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim to take over the reins.

Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized in the statement, "We take full responsibility for the decline in the team’s level during the current season. However, Al Ain FC's objectives for this season remain unchanged. We have assessed the situation and identified the necessary steps to be taken. We have brought in Leonardo Jardim as the new coach. We understand the task ahead is arduous, but it is not insurmountable. We are fortunate and proud to have the most dedicated and loyal fans, and we thank them for their unwavering support despite the current results. We are committed to getting the team back on track."

Al Ain's upcoming Pro League match is against Al Orooba at Dibba Stadium on November 21. Their next AFC Champions League fixture is a home game against Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on November 25.

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