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Al Ain sign a two-year deal with new Romanian coach

 

Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu, ex-coach of Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Al Sad of Qatar, has signed a two-year contract with Al Ain Club to replace Brazilian Alexander Gallo starting from next season.

The announcement was made yesterday during a press conference at Al Ain Club, which was attended by Mohammed Obaid Hamdoon, Member of the Club's Board of Directors and Supervisor of Football Sector, Mohammed Obaid Hammad, Supervisor of Al Ain Senior squad; and Mattar Obaid Al Sahbani, Team Manager.

Speaking at the press conference, Mohammed Obaid Hamdoon said that Al Ain started negotiations with the coach one month earlier and the two sides reached a final agreement after several meetings to discuss the details of the contract. Hamdoon said Al Ain was looking for a strong coach who has the experience to ensure the team could achieve their aspirations. He added that Cosmin is one of thel best-known coaches in the Gulf Region and he was considered the most suitable person to lead Al Ain in the coming seasons.

Hamdoon also confirmed that Al Ain have dismissed their three foreign players, Ibrahima Keita from Ivory Coast, Brazilian Elias Ribeiro and Romanian Valentine. "We will not negotiate with any player, whether local or a foreigner, before discussing the issue with the coach. He is the best person to decide what the team needs." He said that there are some names already identified by the coach and more announcements would be forthcoming in the next week regarding foreign signings.


Hamdoon confirmed that the Club had held initial discussions with Romanian player Radoe who is currently with Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.


Newly appointed coach Cosmin expressed his excitement to be joining Al Ain. He said "This is a great honor for me to supervise Al Ain team to achieve their ambitions and bring them again to their normal shape after the wonderful experience that I have gained when I was a coach for Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia andAl Sadd of Qatar." He added, "This is a big challenge but I always like to take self challenges and I hope to provide the best service to my new team. I know that Al Ain includes talented young players, which is good for the future of football especially considering they have won the Etisalat Reserve League and Youth Championships this season. We will work as one family to achieve the aspirations of the Club."


Mohammed Obaid Al Hamad promised not to repeat the difficult period faced by the Al Ain in the Etisalat Pro-League this season, which saw them struggle hard to escape relegation.  Hamad also disclosed that Al Ain will organise an international friendly tournament in the month of Ramadan and will organize a training camp in Europe in July.