News Center

Cosmin Olaroiu officially unveiled as Al Ahli head coach

Cosmin Olaroiu has returned to the UAE following a summer break and was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Al Ahli at a press conference at the Rashid Stadium on Monday night. The 44-year-old told a packed press conference room that he is excited to get started on his new challenge, saying: “I’m back in the UAE but now I’m in a different place. I’m happy to join the Al Ahli family and I will try my best, as I always do wherever I am, to achieve the targets set.” Having left Al Ain, with whom he won two back-to-back League titles, Cosmin confirmed that he turned down other offers in favour of joining Al Ahli. “I know that many people were surprised that I moved, but I want to concentrate on the future and not talk about the past. I had offers from other clubs but I felt that Al Ahli really wanted me, and I chose this offer as I believe it is best for me and my future. I had to choose what felt right for me and what I believe in, and that is Al Ahli,” the Romanian said.

Cosmin will be joined in the dugout at Al Ahli by his new assistant coach, former Real Madrid star Fabio Cannavaro; an old friend with whom he is excited to work. “I’ve known Fabio for a long time – before either of us came to the UAE. He’s a great person and was a very, very big player. Now he’s finished his coaching courses, he has a very strong character, and I believe he can be as big a coach as he was a player. He knows exactly what he has to do and we know exactly how we are going to work together. From the Club’s point of view, I think it’s better to have the talents of Cannavaro on the training pitch than in the stands and the offices,” Cosmin added. With Al Ahli entering into the 2013-2014 Arabian Gulf League season off the back of a 2nd-placed finish last term, Cosmin has high hopes for his new steeds for the upcoming campaign. “My philosophy is to play good football,” he told the media. “Of course we want to win the League and for me that is the most important target. Al Ahli is a strong team and can reach greater heights than they have so far. In my opinion what is lacking slightly is confidence when it comes to the League, but we will work on that. I will always do my best.”