Cosmin Olaroiu believes the Pro League title is Al Ain’s to lose but warned his men are under even more pressure to perform now that they’ve opened up a five point lead at the summit.

The Al Ain coach appeared relaxed on the touchline as goals from Ignacio Scocco and Asamoah Gyan – returning from his African Cup of Nations sabbatical – sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory over rockbottom Dubai.

With no overseas commitments to distract them this season, nine-time champions Al Ain can concentrate all their energies on affairs at home. However, Olaroiu has warned his troops not to lose focus of the job at hand as the title has not yet been won.

He further urged his men to consider every league game a cup final from now on. “The obligation to win is more for us now because there is more responsibility and that’s why we have to be very well prepared to continue this fight. If we believe we are the champions already it will be very bad for us. We have to think and prepare for every game as if it is the title on the table. It is important we believe it is not finished,” Olaroiu said.

Asked if Al Ain could benefit from title rivals Al Nasr and Al Jazira’s commitments in the AFC Champions League, Olaroiu added: “It is difficult for us to judge the programmes of other teams and the way they develop. We have to focus on our world and play each game as if it were the last and like a final. If we treat all the games this way we have a chance.”

Despite his side taking a decisive step towards a 10th league crown, Olariou was still far from happy and took a swipe at the pitch at the Dubai Sports and Cultural Stadium. “It was a difficult game and we might have been better had the field been better. It didn’t help us at all. I am happy with the performance of my players because they were running and fighting.” He added: “For us it was important to get three points. We didn’t get as many goals and it wasn’t a spectacular game, but we got the job done.”

Meanwhile, Dubai coach Ayman El Ramadi said blamed poor referring for the result which went against his side. “We played well against the top team of the league but I’m not happy with the refereeing decisions. The red card for Yousef Mohammed was unwarranted. I don’t think the score was fair,” the Egyptian said.

Despite his side being rooted to the bottom of the table, El Ramadi is confident his men can beat the drop. “There just a few points between us and Sharjah and Emirates and we have big hopes to stay alive in the league next season.”