Dubai: Cosmin Olaroiu’s departure on a one-month sabbatical with the Saudi Arabian national team will perhaps galvanise Al Ahli for sterner battles ahead, according to a close confidant of the Romanian coach.
Following Al Ahli’s 2-1 win over 10-man Al Wahda late on Monday, Olaroiu announced that he has been asked by Al Ahli chairman Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council (DSC) to take over Saudi Arabia.
The three-time Asian champions had Spanish coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro at the helm during last month’s Gulf Cup on home soil. However, Saudi Arabia lost 1-2 to Qatar in the final in Riyadh and Lopez Caro had to part ways in the first week of December.
With 12 rounds of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) gone, defending champions Al Ahli have managed to come into sixth place and within five points of leaders Al Jazira. Al Ahli host Bani Yas in 13th round action of the AGL at home on December 20.
“Shaikh Hamdan has decided that the coach should go and assist Saudi Arabia in their pursuit for a fourth Asian Cup trophy. Once the Asian Cup in Australia is completed, Cosmin will be back with Al Ahli,” sources told Gulf News on condition of anonymity.
Olaroiu, who has a contract with the Red Knights till 2016, was touted to take over from Lopez Caro after Saudi Arabia’s loss in Riyadh last month. However, the 45-year-old former Steau Bucharest and Romania player had persistently denied talks of moving to Saudi Arabia.
As per the orders, Olaroiu will be accompanied by another two members of his coaching staff, while the others will stay put with Al Ahli.
The AGL, meanwhile, will take a break during the course of the Asian Cup from January 9 to 31. Al Ahli’s 14th round fixture in the AGL will be at home against Sharjah Club, sometime in the first week of February.
“The other support staff will be in Dubai. This is like an important assignment that the coach has received and he will be back with the club once he sees it through. Till then we hope our players and support staff get stronger and be ready for the next stage of the season,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the national teams of Iraq and Uzbekistan will play two exhibition matches at the Al Shaab Club on December 25 and 28, respectively. The matches will be preparatory games for the Asian Cup, according to a press release.