Cosmin Olaroiu to return for clash against “the Tigers”Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu, manager of the UAE’s Al-Jazira, has stressed the importance of the match against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League Elite, believing it will shape the entire season.Al-Ittihad meet Al-Jazira today, Tuesday, at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, in the preliminary round qualifying for the league stage of the Asian Elite tournament.Olaroiu told “Abu Dhabi Sports” channels: “The Al-Ittihad match is a very good test for us. We will find out where we stand and what we need to do, what our real capabilities are, and who can cope well under pressure.””It is a big challenge, but at the same time the match is an excellent opportunity to assess the group in the best possible way,” he added.Tickets for Saudi Pro League matchesBuy your ticket now!Saudi Pro LeagueAl IttihadITT16 Aug 202602:00Al KholoodALKArabian Gulf LeagueHattaHAT16 Aug 202622:10Al-JaziraALJAsked about the difficulty of playing a match of such calibre at the start of the season, the Romanian said: “We cannot change anything. We have to treat it as a test that reveals our identity at this stage.”He concluded: “After that match, we will know more precisely where we want to reach, what must change, and what must be worked on. Matches like these will give us many important indicators.”This will be the first official match Cosmin Olaroiu takes charge of at Al-Jazira. The same goes for German coach Jens Wissing with Al-Ittihad.
