Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu has revealed he could finally look in his players’ eyes and see the Arabian Gulf League champions he remembered following last night’s 4-2 victory against Al Jazira.
Fresh life was breathed into the Red Knights’ title defence after Carlos Munoz, Ismail Al Hammadi and a brace from Grafite saw off the Abu Dhabi giants 4-2.
Ahli bossed much of the game, showing a drive absent during two draws and a defeat registered in three of their previous five top-flight fixtures. Olaroiu believed this “spirit” proved the difference at Rashid Stadium.
The Romanian said: “We had more spirit and more attention. That is what was missing in the beginning of the season. When we play like this, it is difficult for any team to play against us. Sometimes, you lose this.
“We showed only a different spirit. Of course, Grafite improved as we recovered his condition during the international break. We developed a different spirit, that is the difference. Now, when I went inside the locker room I looked and thought ‘this is my Al Ahli’.”
It was a familiar tale for Jazira, a leaky defence undermining a lethal attack as defeat dropped them back to fourth.
“You can be sure the best team won,” coach Eric Gerets said. “Every time they were in our half, they were dangerous. We submitted most of the game. It is logical that you lose.
“It is not something new that we received too many goals. Every time there was a ball behind our last line, there was direct danger. There were stupid goals, with big mistakes. Then you have no points.”
The Belgian urged his squad to start learning their lessons if they are to duke with leaders Al Wahda, Ahli and Al Ain for the AGL crown.
He said: “I had a look in the dressing room and the disappointment and frustration was big there.
“We will need one or two days to talk about all that went wrong, again. At least we play at home next game, maybe if we take our lessons then we will not commit these stupid mistakes that lead to goals against us every time.”
