New boy Joan Oumari is looking to the past and present for inspiration as he attempts to make his mark in the ironclad Al Nasr defence.
Oumari, 28, was snapped up from Turkey’s Sivasspor this month. This move has seen him join a much-improved side under coach Dan Petrescu, who gained an exceptional reputation at right-back for Romania and Chelsea during his celebrated playing days.
Speaking after making his full debut during last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Al Dhafra in the Arabian Gulf League, the Lebanon centre-back picked out his new boss and a Real Madrid icon when asked about role models.
“Our coach played in Chelsea and yes, he’s a very good coach,” said Germany-born Oumari, who has scored two goals in 13 international run-outs.
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— AL Nasr Club (@ALNasrSC) January 3, 2017
رسميا.. الدولي اللبناني جوان العمري يوقع للنصر لمدة سنتين ونصف #النصر #alnasr_fc pic.twitter.com/6KRIawaqXo
“He trusts us, he trusts me and he speaks to me a lot. I hope I can give him something back.
“For me, the best [current] defender is from Real Madrid – Sergio Ramos. This is because he has this coolness and he has everything.
“He sees everything and is a lea-der. That is why I say he is the best.”
The result against the Western Knights represented an aberration since Petrescu took the helm of an ailing outfit during late October. Only four goals had been conceded in the preceding eight top-flight matches, while a clean sheet was registered as Al Ain were shutout in the President’s Cup quarter-finals.
“I think we did not play so good [against Dhafra] as I know about the team, and me also I don’t play so good,” Oumari said. “It was my first official game from the beginning and yes, I must learn the league but I hope with the time I can come inside this team and help this team.
“It is difficult to come in the team when there are good defenders.
“There are pressures. I come from Turkey – here, they play another football.
“I must come inside the team and I hope I can quickly.
“I must work for myself. I hope I can give this back to the team, Al Nasr club, the coach and everybody.
“The way I played against Dhafra was not good. I know me and I know I can play better than this.”
Next up for the sixth-placed Blue Wave is the daunting visit of champions Al Ahli on Friday. Oumari urged his team-mates to consign the Dhafra result to history.
He said: “We forget this game, as this was not so good. We must train.
“We look forward and will give our best.”
