Al Nasr take on Iran's Tractor Sazi in Dubai on Tuesday in the first leg of their last-16 Asian Champions League tie. Nasr manager Ivan Jovanovic spoke to the media pre-match.
History boys
Al Nasr have never before qualified for the knockout stages of the continental competition, exiting at the groups in their previous two attempts.
However, they finished second in Group A last month, and are unbeaten in five Asian matches. They now face Tractor Sazi, who topped Group C, across two legs, with the return fixture taking place in Tabriz on May 24.
Making it through
“I want to say we are very happy and proud to reach the last 16 in Asia,” Jovanovic said. “At the beginning of this competition, this was our target.
“The road to get here wasn’t easy, but we achieved it. We needed a lot of effort and this effort comes from the soul of the team, the staff, the administration and the fans.
“I also cannot forget the effort of our players to change the history of Al Nasr.”
Tough next hurdle
“Our next opponent is a very difficult opponent, who finished first in a tough group,” Jovanovic said. “It was very fair that they finished first. They are a very compact team, who cover the spaces on the pitch.
“We have to take advantages of all aspects of the game – this includes in open play and at set-pieces. Tractor are a very aggressive team.
“Until now, they will be the best team we have had to face in this competition.”
Staying strong in defence
“Every goal counts,” Jovanovic said. “It is very important not to concede any goals and in both games we will probably have to score to go to the next round.
“Our target in this game is to make a step forward in this competition. We are going to give our best performance to date.
“It is a great challenge to all of us who work in Al Nasr. We are going to do our best to make something more for this club.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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