Serhiy Rebrov lauds 'mighty effort' as Al Ain celebrate Adnoc Pro League title

Having secured the Adnoc Pro League title with four games left, Al Ain were officially crowned the champions for the 14th time on the final day of the league at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday.

Even though they were held by Sharjah 1-1, the players, technical staff and fans celebrated their moment of glory.

Al Ain manager Serhiy Rebrov said winning the league and the Pro League Cup was a team effort.

“It was a mighty effort from the players and technical staff, the backing we had from our management and of course the fans who have been behind us at every game,” the Ukrainian said.

Al Ain were consistent throughout the league competition with just one defeat in 26 matches. They finished on 65 points, 10 more than Sharjah, followed by Al Wahda (53), Al Jazira (45) and Shabab Al Ahli (43).

“I’m very proud of my lads,” Rebrov said. “It has been a very hard campaign, particularly towards the end when the weather became hotter and harder for the players to continue with the same energy levels.

“The titles alone are sometimes not as important as the improvements, and keeping pace with development and working with team spirits. We had all that during this campaign.”

Kodjo Laba, centre, scored four times in Al Ain’s 5-0 win over Al Jazira at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 as the Garden City club were crowned Adnoc Pro League champions. All photos: PLC

Rebrov has yet to be offered a contract extension but insisted defending the league title would be a harder task.

“With the season now over, obviously I’ll have a meeting with the club management,” he said when asked of his future at the club.

“I'm actually still part of the team, and I have a month left on my contract.

“Next season will certainly