Ivan Jovanovic is predicting a seamless return to the Al Nasr dugout on Tuesday when his charges host floundering Arabian Gulf League champions Al Jazira.
Jovanovic, 55, inked a deal until 2018/19 last week to replace dismissed ex-Italy coach Cesare Prandelli. The Blue Wave sacked the aforementioned Serb in October 2016 when his trophy-laden, three-and-a-half-year reign unravelled at alarming pace.
“You cannot overlook the impact and difficulty of making a technical change in mid-season on the players, because each coach has his own way and training style,” said Jovanovic. “But these problems will not affect us, as I am not a stranger to this team.”
An extensive list is hampering Jovanovic’s hopes of a winning return. These include unfortunate striker Wanderley, ex-Jazira midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada and occasional UAE call-up Fawaz Awana.
They face opponents for whom off-field problems have bled onto the pitch. Their last two results were a 2-0 reversal to Al Wahda in the Year of Zayed Arabian Gulf Super Cup, while minnows Dibba Al Fujairah fought back from two-goals down in the last 10 minutes to draw in the top flight.
Meanwhile, Dibba coach Paulo Comeli has consigned previous success against promoted Ajman to “the past” as he prepares for a relegation six-pointer.
A double from the now-released Brazilian forward Ciel earned a 2-0 triumph in September. With both sides a handful of points outside the drop zone, the Fishermen supremo is not taking repeat success for granted.
He said: “The previous result is in the past now and Ajman are much stronger.”
