Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu keeps cards close to his chest

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  • Cosmin still has a big decision to make.

    Al Ahli could yet still plunder the foreign market as they attempt to reclaim their Arabian Gulf League crown.

    The Red Knights endured a dismal 2014/15 domestically, a weak title defence ending with an awful seventh-placed finish.

    They have already made one impressive swoop this summer, landing much-needed Benfica hot shot Lima as they seek to cure a chronic shortage of goals from last term which saw them notch just 35 times – the top flight’s sixth-worst record.

    Defensive midfielder Kwon Kyung-won and attacking midfielder Everton Ribeiro have definitely been retained, a question mark still remaining about who will fill the fourth-and-final slot.

    When asked on Monday whether winger Oussama Assaidi, forward Ciel or a fresh face with the transfer window still open to mid-October will be chosen, Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu remained non-committal.

    “Maybe both (Assaidi or Ciel),” he replied.

    “Why not? We are near to a decision but we have a few details left. Now, me and the team we are more concentrating on the game (tomorrow’s AGL opener at home to Fujairah).

    “The management is more involved in those things (potential transfers) at this moment.

    “In this moment, all of them are (in my plans), all five. I will take the decision later, not now.”

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    Ahli have been repeatedly linked with forward Moussa Sow, the 29-year-old being made available by Fenerbahce for approximately €12 million (Dh48.8m) after a raft of stellar signings.

    One player who has come through the Rashid Stadium door is Lima. The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal after a €7 million (Dh28.2m) fee was paid to Aguias last month. He possess remarkable pedigree, his spell at Benfica seeing 70 goals scored in 144 games and six pieces of silverware won including the 2013/14 and 2014/15 Primeira Liga trophies.

    Lima was in top form during Ahli’s Italian training camp, netting in games against strong Internazionale and Udinese XIs. Olaroiu hailed him as “one of the best strikers” he has worked with, on a list which includes Al Ain legend Asamoah Gyan.

    He said: “Lima is an important player. Most importantly, he is a very strong character. He is a leader. He will be very helpful for us, especially in attack. We suffered there last year a little bit. Of course, we still have Ahmed Khalil there.

    “Now, we have two strikers and it is much better than only having one. Sometimes last season we did not have a solution, we only had Khalil.

    “Now with Lima, the team is more balanced and powerful. He is one of the best strikers I have ever worked with in my career.”

    Competition in the AGL is expected to be fierce this season if the Red Knights are to repeat their championship-winning feat from 2013/14. Clubs have strengthened signficantly, Olaroiu backing teams such as Bani Yas to join the battle at the top of the standings.

    He said: “In my opinion, this season will be the most balanced season that I was here for (Olaroiu first bossed Al Ain in 2011, defecting to Ahli two years later). All the teams have improved, buying new players.

    “They are more powerful, now. I think there will be teams we have to consider, maybe Bani Yas, who nobody thought of before.

    “Nobody thought before Bani Yas could be involved in the title battle. Maybe they will have something to say. It will be tighter this year.”

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