In a surprising turn of events, the United Arab Emirates national football team is on the hunt for a new head coach following the dismissal of Paulo Bento. Despite a recent victory against North Korea, the federation's decision came after a disappointing loss to Iran, which left the team in a precarious position in the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
Cosmin Olăroiu, who has been at the helm of Al Sharjah since November 2021, has emerged as a leading candidate for the role. His contract with the club runs until June 30, 2025, but the president of Al Sharjah, Khalid Al Midfa, has indicated that the club will not stand in the way of Olăroiu taking over the national team. "We will have no objection if the Federation proposes to Cosmin to take over the national team. We, all clubs, want to serve the interests of the national team," Al Midfa stated.
Olăroiu's coaching career in the UAE has been nothing short of impressive. He has won 14 trophies with various clubs, including Al Sharjah, Al Ahli Dubai, and Al Ain. His success at club level has made him a respected figure in the region, and many believe he could bring the same level of achievement to the national side.
Faisal Khalil, a former UAE international, has publicly backed Olăroiu for the national team position. "The solution right now is to bring in a coach who understands how to work with our players and integrate them into the team. I believe Olăroiu is the most suitable for this role, and we must do everything possible to convince him to take over the national team. The fans want him, and he has their support. Everyone is talking about Cosmin and Milos (Milojević). For me, the choice is simple: Cosmin. He is very good at the mental preparation of players. Our national team needs someone capable of lifting the players' morale. Cosmin Olăroiu is the perfect choice for the national team. We need a coach capable of forming a united group, and I believe his main quality is that he knows how to unite a team and bring players closer together," Khalil expressed.
Another former UAE international, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Haddad, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We need a coach who can achieve harmony in defense. Cosmin is a good coach who can serve the national team, and I believe he is very likely to succeed, despite my reservations about his defensive style in some matches. But he is suitable because he knows all the players, our championship, and what each can do."
As it stands, the UAE national team is currently in third place in their qualifying group, four points behind Uzbekistan, who occupy the second spot necessary for direct qualification to the World Cup. With two crucial matches against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan scheduled for June, the urgency for a new head coach is palpable.
Olăroiu previously had a brief stint as the head coach of Saudi Arabia from December 2014 to January 2015, where he managed to secure only one victory in four matches. Despite this, his familiarity with the Arab football scene and his extensive experience in the UAE could prove invaluable in the upcoming matches.
The UAE federation's decision to part ways with Bento, despite a recent win, highlights the high stakes and pressures associated with international football. The team is expected to perform at a higher level, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. The federation's ambition to qualify for the tournament in 2026 reflects the growing investment in football within the country, aiming to elevate the national team's status on the global stage.
With Olăroiu's potential appointment, fans are hopeful for a turnaround in the team's fortunes. The upcoming matches will be critical not only for qualification purposes but also for establishing a new direction under a fresh coaching regime. The anticipation surrounding Olăroiu's possible return to the national team setup has ignited discussions among fans and analysts alike.
As the UAE prepares to face Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in June, the football community eagerly awaits the federation's next move. Will they secure Olăroiu's services in time to make a significant impact in the remaining qualifiers? The clock is ticking, and with every passing day, the pressure mounts to find the right leader for the national squad.
In conclusion, the potential of Cosmin Olăroiu taking charge of the UAE national team could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s football history. His track record in the UAE league and understanding of the local football landscape could be just what the team needs to rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the World Cup.
