Cosmin Olaroiu urges Al Ahli to ‘live with no regret’ in Asian Champions League final

Cosmin Olaroiu insists his Al Ahli team will attack in the second lef of the Asian Champions League. Ali Haider / EPA

GUANGZHOU, CHINA // Cosmin Olaroiu says Al Ahli “have all the motivation in the world” to make history and clinch the Asian Champions League title on Saturday.

The Dubai club face Guangzhou Evergrande at the Tianhe Stadium in the second leg of the final having held the Chinese champions to a goalless draw at the Rashid Stadium two weeks ago.

Ahli, contesting the knockout stages for the first time, are seeking to become only the second UAE side to be crowned champions of Asia, after Al Ain in 2003. Guangzhou, on the other hand, won the tournament two years ago.

Understandably, Olaroiu implored his players to make sure they leave nothing on the pitch in their bid for continental glory.

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“These are unique moments in life and nobody knows if you’re going to have another chance to play in the final of such a big competition,” he said. “That’s why we have all the motivation in the world to get it and to do our best.

“We don’t want to live all our lives with the regret that we didn’t do our best in this kind of game. And I’m sure everyone here tomorrow will give his best.”

Ahli, though, will be without Abdulaziz Haikal after the full-back received a straight red card towards the conclusion of the first leg. Guangzhou could also be depleted, with Brazilian forward Ricardo Goulart requiring a late fitness test following an injury sustained in Dubai.

In theory, the absence of the tournament’s top scorer — Goulart has eight goals — represents a significant blow for Guangzhou, although Olaroiu played down the impact it would have on the hosts.

“This is not about one player missing or playing, it’s about the team, about the sprit, the courage, the determination,” he said. “In the final what matters is the spirit and the determination of the players, and that together they show it.”

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With the tie delicately balanced, Olaroiu said Ahli will go on the offensive against Guangzhou, especially since an away goal would mean the hosts then require at least two to triumph.

“After the 0-0 draw we have to think the final is only one game,” he said. “To win the trophy we have to score, we know this and we try during this period to prepare the team to play in the way that we get the trophy.

“They have the advantage of being at home, with the supporters and all the environment, but we know exactly what we have to do and we hope to tomorrow we’ll be in best shape, much better that the first game, to get exactly what we need. The players have experience; they have the quality to pass this obstacle.”

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