Dubai: Cosmin Olaroiu hopes his unspecified “problems” do not interfere with Al Ahli’s title-defence as they face strong contenders Al Ain in the Arabian Gulf League on Monday.
Olaroiu’s team that ended with a near-perfect record with two losses and four draws for a record 64 points last season has been far from impressive with seven rounds of the league gone this year. Though the Red Knights have secured whopping 5-1 and 4-2 wins against Al Wasl and Al Jazira respectively, they have struggled against the smaller teams after being held goalless by Ajman, 1-1 by Fujairah and 2-2 by Al Dhafra last week.
Fortunately for the defending champions, lop-sided results from other teams have so far helped as Al Ahli remain in the hunt for a repeat with just three points separating them from current league leaders Al Wahda.
However, Olaroiu reckons he has his own set of problems to deal with as the league prepares to take a one-month break to accommodate the UAE’s participation at the Gulf Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a little over two weeks’ time. “Al Ain is a team that plays football and that means we have to play against them. If we let them play their game, then we are going to have problems,” Olaroiu said.
“Playing against a team like Al Ain is the maximum we can do in the league. They are the strongest opponents I have seen so far. The team has a lot of technical potential. Fortunately or unfortunately, we have played better in the derbies and on Monday too it will be our ambition to put up a good show,” he promised.
However, with many of his key players called up for national duty, the Romanian seems to be struggling to put a squad in place in an already crammed calendar. “Injuries are part of the game. Normally when you have all the players, then you have the liberty to change players from one game to another. We have been unlucky in this regard. My problem is not the full squad. I have other problems and these are big and the worse thing is that I can’t even say what these problems are,” he said, refraining from clarifying.
Asked about the small points difference between teams, the Romanian explained: “I have said it in the past and I will say it again that this year will be different. There is more to come. Every week there will be surprises. This will be a long competition and it will be different from other years.”
“As for me, nothing will change. Whether there is a one month break or two months, I will be left training just four players, the four professionals that I have signed,” Olaroiu added.
In other matches, Al Wahda will be looking to consolidate their place at the top as they host Fujairah in Monday’s early match, while Al Shabab be on the road against Emirates.
