Al Ahli captain Grafite has urged head coach Cosmin Olaroiu to remain at the Rashid Stadium as the club looks to build on a highly successful 2013/14 season.
The Red Knights were the undoubted force of UAE football this season; storming to the Arabian Gulf League title by a 16-point margin, as well as clinching the Arabian Gulf Cup and the UAE Super Cup.
The Dubai club fell just short of a remarkable clean sweep after losing in the President’s Cup final to Al Ain.
Brazilian striker Grafite, who moved to Al Ahli in 2011, has once again been integral to the club’s success, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.
For coach Olaroiu, this season’s league triumph is the Romanian’s third in a row following back-to-back titles with Al Ain.
It has been a bizarre season for Olaroiu, who served half a six-month touchline ban after being found guilty of breach of contract with the Garden City club.
Despite the ban, Olaroiu was recently named Arabian Gulf League Coach of the Year, and the 44-year-old, who has two years remaining on his Ahli deal, is rumoured to be attracting interest from clubs in the region.
– AGL season review: Al Ahli inspired by Olaroiu's Midas touch
However, Grafite, named Foreign Player of the Year for the second successive year at the Arabian Gulf League Awards 2013-14, has made his feelings clear and believes the Red Knights can further improve under Olaroiu’s stewardship.
“I hope Cosmin will stay because we have a big chance of repeating this season, and even getting better by winning more trophies,” Grafite told Sport360° at the launch of the adidas ‘all in or nothing’ World Cup campaign.
“The team owes a lot to Cosmin because our success is down to the way he has led during the season,” added the Brazilian.
Grafite is looking forward to his fourth campaign with Ahli after signing a new one-year deal at the club earlier this month.
“I’m very happy to have signed my new contract and to commit to Al Ahli for one more season,” the former Wolfsburg star said. “I hope we can continue where we left off this season. It was a great campaign, winning three trophies. Unfortunately, the President’s Cup final against Al Ain… but you can’t win them all.”
Meanwhile, Grafite has risked ruffling the feathers of his fellow Brazilians by tipping fierce rivals Argentina to win this summer’s World Cup.
Asked who he thought would triumph in Brazil this summer, Grafite replied: “Of course, I want Brazil to win, but there are many strong teams.
“Germany are very good, but being in South America, Argentina have a great chance. It’s on their continent so they are used to the climate and culture, but they are not at home so they won’t have the same pressure as Brazil.
“So if Brazil doesn’t win I would have to say Germany or Argentina.”
