Continuity was the key drive behind Al Ahli’s decision to extend coach Cosmin Olaroiu’s contract until 2018.

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Olaroiu, 46, was pictured on Saturday evening on the Red Knights’ official Twitter account signing the two-year extension alongside CEO Ahmed Khalifa.

This brought an end to any speculation about a switch back to the Saudi Professional League and followed a rollercoaster second season in charge, featuring a dismal Arabian Gulf League title defence but a club-record run to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

“Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Al Ahli, Cosmin Olaroiu’s contract with the football club was renewed until 2018,” a statement read.

“This is part of the management plan to maintain the stability of the coaching staff for the first team after many successes with the coach since taking over management of the technical team and many titles.”

Olaroiu and his players will now focus on the challenges ahead as August brings the resumption of the AGL and the last-eight of Asia’s premier club competition.

The statement continued: “It is an important step to achieve stability. This will give the players motivation and the incentive to make the effort in pursuit of championships, as well as access to the finals of the Champions League, which is our first goal.”