New signing Joan Oumari made his full debut for Al Nasr on Saturday in the 2-2 Arabian Gulf League draw to Al Dhafra. He spoke to the media afterwards.
On adapting to UAE football
“It was my first official start and, yes, I must learn the league,” said Oumari, who joined the Dubai club from Turkey’s Sivasspor. “But I hope with time I can come into this team and help this team. It is difficult to come into the team when there are other good defenders. There are pressures. I come from Turkey and from Europe, but here they play another football. I must adapt to the team and I hope I can quickly.”
On his role model
Oumari, 28, was born in Germany and spent the majority of his professional career there before moving last year to Turkey, but cites a World Cup winner as his favourite centre-back. “For me, the best defender is from Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos,” Oumari said. “Because he has this coolness and he has everything for a defender. He sees everything and he is a leader. That is why I say he is the best.”
On working with Dan Petrescu
The former Romania and Chelsea full-back now manages Nasr, having taken the reins in October. Omari seems to have already struck up a good relationship, saying: “Our coach played in Chelsea and, yes, he’s a very good coach. He trusts us, he trusts me and he speaks to me a lot. I hope I can give him something back. I must work for myself. I hope I can give back to the team, Al Nasr club, the coach and everybody.”
On rebounding from Dhafra against Al Ahli
“I think we did not play so good as I know the team and also the way I played against Dhafra was not good,” said Oumari, as he gets set to face the UAE champions at Rashid Stadium on Friday. “I know me and I know I can play better than this. We forget this game; we must train. We look forward to Al Ahli and we will give our best.”
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