Al Nasr’s Ivan Jovanovic tells players to embrace pressure against Bani Yas

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  • Relishing the big game: Al Nasr manager Ivan Jovanovic.

    Al Nasr’s players must embrace the “pleasant” feeling that pressure from playing in an Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final causes when they host Bani Yas, according to coach Ivan Jovanovic.

    – Brett Holman: Al Nasr can push for every honour

    The Blue Wave have been starved of domestic success for more than a decade, last lifting a trophy on Emirati soil when they won the now-defunct UAE Federation Cup in 2002.

    They did end their 12-year wait for any silverware last May, however, claiming the GCC Club Cup with a 2-1 victory against Oman’s Saham.

    Serbian Jovanovic leant on this experience when insisting the Group A winners would not wilt at Al Maktoum Stadium tomorrow [Friday] when competing for a place in the January 30 final.

    “Pressure in this case is normal,” the 52-year-old said. “We feel it but the pressure is pleasant.

    “It shows we have a big target in front of us. We made this pressure come as we are in the semi-final. 

    “It is not something we cannot deal with. After all, this team played the GCC Club Cup final seven months ago. I believe, always, it is nice feeling when you have this kind of pressure. 

    “At this point of the competition, it will be the most important game we have had to play.”

    Crucial to the Nasr cause will be captain Brett Holman. The attacking midfielder gained valuable experience of high-pressure games during a 63-cap career with Australia, most notably during the Socceroos’ run to the 2011 Asian Cup final. 

    He warned his team-mates that it will “take everyone giving 110 per cent” for them to defeat the 2013 GCC Club Cup winners.

    “In cup games you know its is a one-off game,” Holman said. “If you are experienced, cup football does help.

    “A lot of the players have had experience of some sort in major semi-finals in cup football. It will be tough, as the coach has said.

    “It will take everyone giving 110 per cent and working really hard for each other. At the back of your mind is the thought that it is a one-off game, so you have to do all you can to go for the win.”

    Bani Yas have improved steadily under Luis Garcia’s watch, rebounding from a difficult start to the season to sit seventh in the Arabian Gulf League and claim second in Group B of the AGC.

    They play a game reflective of their coach’s Spanish background, experienced playmaker Joan Verdu key to setting the tempo and keeping the ball moving.

    Jovanovic was full of praise for the Sky Blues, warning his troops they will “have to run a lot” to compete.

    He said: “Bani Yas are aggressive in the field, they are a team that likes to open the game up. The game will have a high tempo.

    “They try to put the ball forward into the opponent’s box. I expect an open game, in which we will have to run a lot.

    “It is a great chance for all of us. You have to be sure, we are going to fight very hard.”

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