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Cosmin: “We are determined to progress in the AFC Champions League”

Al Ain head coach Cosmin Olaroiu confirmed his determination to ensure that Al Ain qualify from the group stages and make it through to the final 16 of the AFC Champions League, noting that the next game against Al Rayyan in Qatar will not be an easy task. “We are well aware that we must fight from the first minute until the final whistle in this game,” Cosmin said at his pre-match press conference in Doha. “Our schedule is very crowded in April and we are playing 9 games in one month. We played a tough game in the Etisalat Pro League against Al Ahli before travelling here to Qatar, and I believe that any team wishing to succeed both domestically and continentally needs at least 20 ‘first choice’ players in order to achieve their targets,” the Romanian added.

Al Ain’s French striker Jires Kembo-Ekoko was also present at the press conference, and highlighted the importance of getting a good result from the match. “We played a difficult game two days ago against Al Ahli, but our coach has made the necessary arrangements to cope with the number of games and prepare us properly. We are well aware that it will be a very hard match here at Al Rayyan but we are ready to leave the stadium with a positive result.”

In the opposing dugout, Al Rayyan’s Uruguayan coach Diego Aguirre said: “We know this game is our last chance to make it out of the groups and it is an absolute must-win, especially at our home ground in front of our fans. We played very well at Al Ain but luck was not on our side. However, I still have great confidence in my players to produce a result in this game.” Joined at the press conference by Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, the player echoed his coach’s sentiments and insisted that his team mates are fully focused on winning the game against Al Ain on Match Day 4 of the AFC Champions League group stages, as it is vital to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.