Dubai: Al Nasr coach Ivan Jovanovic is convinced his team doesn’t need to make any alterations as they target a flourishing finish to the Arabian Gulf League (AGL).
Al Nasr registered their sixth straight win with a comeback 2-1 result against Hatta on Friday with coach Jovanovic announcing that his side are truly on the right path in challenging for the AGL crown this season.
Down by an early goal from Syrian defender Omar Midani, Al Nasr fought back for a 2-1 win against Hatta with Marcelo da Silva getting the equaliser in the 35th minute, while Rashid Omar’s fortunate strike two minutes from the full-time whistle handed the Dubai club full points.
The win took Al Nasr into third place with 35 points behind leaders Al Ain (41) and Al Wahda — who improved to 40 points after a 2-1 home victory against Emirates Club later on Friday. With just three more rounds left for the conclusion of the AGL, the final standings at the end of Round 19 will be known after Saturday’s round of matches.
The three points against a strong opponent like Hatta pleased the former Serbian midfielder, who is now serving his second stint as coach. During his first tenure, Jovanovic had led Al Nasr to the GCC Champions League in 2014. However, the 55-year-old was sacked at the end of October 2016 only to be re-instated in January this year following a string of adverse results under Italian Cesare Prandelli.
“All we needed were the three points and we got them,” Jovanovic told media late on Friday.
“We have been forced to play without some of our key players, but I reckon this time has passed and that is being seen by this run of six wins in a row. I am convinced that this is the path we need to stick to as this is the way we have reached so far in the league. For me the most important element was the understanding shown by my players in sticking around as a team and helping Al Nasr pass this difficult period,” he added.
However, the Serbian is well aware of the battles that lie ahead with the first one coming against cross-city rivals Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in Round 20 of the AGL on April 6 followed by the next round against current leaders Al Ain. “These two games can make a lot of difference for the three teams. We don’t have to do anything major but just stick to what we have been doing during the last six matches. And if at all there is someone who perfectly understands the situation, it is the players. Now I need them to react and respond positively and see how far we can get in the league,” he added.
