Al Nasr appoint former Al Hilal and River Plate manager Ramon Diaz

The Argentine replaces Krunoslav Jurcic, who departs after 16 months in charge

epa07514930 Pyramids head coach Ramon Diaz reacts during the Egyptian League soccer match between Al-Ahly and Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt, 18 April 2019. EPA-EFE/KHALED ELFIQI *** Local Caption *** 551Show more

Al Nasr have appointed former Al Hilal manager Ramon Diaz as their new head coach.

The Argentine, 61, replaces Krunoslav Jurcic, who departs after 16 months in charge. The Croat leaves the club fifth in the Arabian Gulf League after 14 rounds, 11 points off leaders Sharjah. Nasr have won once in their past five matches, and were most recently defeated 3-0 defeat by Al Jazira last week.

Diaz, meanwhile, has experience in the Middle East having managed regional powerhouses Hilal for 16 months from October 2016. During his first season in charge, he guided the Saudi Arabians to a domestic league title and King’s Cup double, before leading them to the final of the 2017 Asian Champions League. However, Hilal were beaten 2-1 on aggregate in the showpiece by Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

Diaz then spent brief spells at fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad and Egypt’s Pyramids FC. He was appointed Botafogo manager last November, but a health issue soon after meant he left the Brazilian club later that month without taking charge of a match.

A former Argentine national team striker, Diaz enjoyed sustained success when managing River Plate, whom he represented with distinction as a player. Most notably, he masterminded the club’s march to the Copa Libertadores crown in 1996. He was also part of the Inter Milan team that lifted the 1988/89 Serie A title.

Diaz has been linked with a host of UAE clubs in the past couple of seasons. Nasr host Khorfakkan on Thursday evening in Round 15 of the league.