AA Gent owner Sam Baro has described the emotional toll of European qualification after a frantic night in Edinburgh. The Buffaloes secured a place in the Conference League group stage following a draw against Hibernian, a result that sent Baro's stress levels soaring. The tension was palpable until the final moments, with an away goal putting Gent on the brink of exit until a late equaliser changed everything.
"It was a real rollercoaster," Baro said. "My cortisol level went through the roof. This match has cost me a few years of my life." The chairman was in the stands at Easter Road with the board and saw his team seemingly heading for exit seven minutes from time, only to score an equaliser and progress. "Phenomenal. For the whole group and the fans. Everyone is rewarded for the hard work of months." Baro acknowledged the immense pressure on the club to qualify for European football again after a year's absence, ending a tradition that lasted ten consecutive seasons.
Financial and sporting boost
Baro stressed the key importance of qualification for the club. Gent had played European football for ten consecutive years but were absent last season. "Now we are 'back on track'," the owner stated. "Sportingly and financially, this is a boost." Participation in the Conference League earns the club at least five million euros, a significant financial injection essential for the budget and future plans. Focus now shifts to the Belgian league, where Gent aims to improve on last season's fifth-place finish. Baro indicated the European campaign provides extra motivation for the rest of the season. The full standings can be found here.
Work to be done
Baro indicated there is still much work to do but was positive about the impact of substitutes and the current state of the squad. "I also saw that our substitutes performed strongly," he said. "Seck and Wilson brought the speed we needed. It shows the depth we are building." The transfer window remains open for another week and the club hopes to complete several more signings to further strengthen the squad for the busy schedule of both European and domestic commitments. The current squad can be viewed in detail here.
First up, however, is the classic against Club Brugge, a match scheduled for Sunday. Baro and his staff must shift focus immediately after one night of celebration to prepare for the Battle of Flanders. "We have hardly any time to recover," Baro said, referring to the short preparation time. The upcoming fixtures show the busy schedule awaiting the Buffaloes. Preparations for that important home match begin right after the return journey from Scotland. Baro emphasised that the energy and confidence from the qualification must be carried into the league campaign.
