An oversized Romanian flag draped across gargantuan shoulders and the Arabian Gulf League’s metallic shield raised high marked Cosmin Olaroiu’s return to the top seat of UAE football.
All vestiges of the uncharacteristic fallibility shown during 2014/15’s woeful defence had been blown away, this transformation made real during last Sunday’s coronation. Under the omnipotent coach’s watch, a second title in three seasons had been secured with a record 66-point tally, as well as the most-lethal attack, meanest
fترتيب الفرق بعد الجولة 26 من #دوري_الخليج_العربي
— Arabian Gulf League (@AGLeague) May 8, 2016
The #AGLeague standings after Round 26 pic.twitter.com/86S2kS8h3t
recorded in the professional era.
Hotly-tipped Al Jazira wasted fortunes on the failed return of Abel Braga. The 23 goals of UAE forward Ali Mabkhout provided a sole highlight for fallen giants. Bani Yas’ continued faith in Luis Garcia was misguided, Al Nasr failed to build on twin cup success, Al Shabab sullied their reputation with the callous handling of coach Caio Junior’s exit and Gabriel Calderon’s crumbling association with Al Wasl ended with the sack. At the bottom, underwhelming Sharjah and Emirates Club had Fujairah’s run of seven-successive losses from January-April to thank for staying up. A summer of change lies ahead. The opposition will hope Olaroiu’s rumoured exit is part of this.