Former Italy manager Cesare Prandelli arrives at Al Nasr ready for ‘a new experience’

Cesare Prandelli speaks to the media during his first press conference as Al Nasr manager. Mohamed Mubarak / Al Nasr

Cesare Prandelli was formally introduced as Al Nasr’s new manager on Monday night. The former Italy national team manager, who signed a two-year contract, spoke to the press at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

Top-level pedigree

Prandelli, 59, managed Italy between 2010 and 2014, guiding them to a runner-up finish at the 2012 European Championship. He has extensive experience of club management, too, with spells at Serie A sides Parma, Roma and Fiorentina. Most recently, Prandelli managed Spain’s Valencia, but resigned in December. He replaces Dan Petrescu, who led the club to a sixth-place finish in the 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League. Nasr were beaten finalists in the President’s Cup.

On why he chose Nasr

“One of the reasons I came to Al Nasr is for a new experience and to work with a chairman like Humaid Al Tayer, because he’s looking out for everything at the club. I was happy because he has been following my history and knows everything about my career and experience. Therefore from day one I already feel at home. He has requested me to pass on all my experience to the players and that’s what I promise to deliver.”

On resources at his disposal

“Yesterday I visited the stadium and before I even put my request in for facilities I found everything is already there. So this club is already at a high level and has a mission to achieve a lot in the future. Before signing the contract I also studied the capacity of the staff and players who are already available at the club and from that moment on I realised they wouldn’t need much.”

On challenging for the AGL title

“All my technical staff are now ready to work at a high level with Al Nasr to ensure we end the year with a trophy. But we will need everyone to work together to reach the title. I need to work very hard to see how I can make this season very special. What I can promise is serious work and focus to develop the players to get them playing better game-by-game.”​

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