Former Chelsea full-back Dan Petrescu has emerged as the front runner for the vacant Al Nasr manager’s position, with a club spokesman confirming a deal is “90 percent” done.
The Romanian, who led unheralded Unirea Urziceni to the Romanian title in 2009, is currently in charge of Russian giants Dynamo Moscow but has been in negotiations with the Blue Wave for over a week.
Nasr’s top job has been open for 10 days after the club parted company with Walter Zenga by mutual consent following a disappointing sixth-placed finish in the Pro League last season.
Petrescu, 45, is the club’s No1 choice after a glowing reference from outgoing technical director Sven-Goran Eriksson and is expected to take up the reins at the Al Maktoum Stadium by the end of the week.
“It is the case that Petrescu is 90 percent here,” the spokesman told Sport360°. “We are hoping he will sign and there are some negotiations going on. He was in consideration from the start, he was one of the first names we had.
“Petrescu we hope will sign in the coming 24-48 hours. When it is done we will announce it.”
Should Petrescu turn down the post at the 11th hour, Nasr insist they do have an alternative although the spokesman has distanced the club from former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster and ex-Brazil coach Mano Menezes
“We have a backup plan, but maybe not Schuster and Mano Menezes is no longer in consideration,” added the spokesman.
“Maybe we sign Petrescu and we don’t need the backup. He would not want to know that he is a backup. If we say his name then he will see that we only went to him because Petrescu didn’t work out.”
The Al Maktoum Stadium has been a hive of activity this summer with Zenga and Eriksson leaving the club while midfielder Humaid Abbas also left to join Dubai rivals Al Ahli.
Despite leaving the club over a week ago and just a day after Zenga’s departure, Eriksson has played a key role in luring Petrescu.
“All of the coaches at some point were in strong contention, in the end Petrescu came with a strong recommendation from many including Eriksson, who was involved deeply in the process. We think he is the right man for the job.”
Petrescu enjoyed a fine playing career, spending five years with Chelsea between 1995-2000 and winning 95 caps for his country. He is a close friend of Al Ain boss and compatriot Cosmin Olaroiu.
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