Al Nasr’s faith in coach Ivan Jovanovic has been the catalyst behind their historic push into the 2016 AFC Champions League quarter- finals, according to chairman Humaid Al Tayer.
The Blue Wave face El Jaish in Doha on Wednesday as their debut run in the knockout stages of Asia’s premier club competition continues. This progress represents the zenith of the Serbian’s work since his recruitment from Cyprus’ APOEL in June 2013.
“We are currently seeking to improve the football team after reaching the quarter-finals in the AFC Champions League for the first time in the club’s history,” Al Tayer said. “I stress that these results are the fruit of good planning and the goals set by the company.
“The stability of the team technically is one of the most important factors for success. We are very keen to preserve this system of harmony, despite making a small number of signings that are in the interest of the team, whether it’s with foreign or even local players.”
Under Jovanovic, a 25-year trophy drought was ended in May 2014 with victory in the GCC Club Cup. The Arabian Gulf Cup and President’s Cup double was gained in the following season, securing a return to the ACL for the first time since 2013.
Al Tayer revealed the desire to improve the club at all levels has seen a link with an unnamed European club drawn up.
He said: “Soon we will announce an agreement with one of Europe’s most-prestigious clubs in the field of nurturing talent. This will help us improve the academy and part of the plan is to send a number of talented players to train with the club so they gain technical and mental experience of the professional arena.
“We hope the parents of the players will cooperate and join us to support their children, because they are in an important part of the player’s life, especially in the beginning of their career.”
