Zenga sets sights on title next season

Dubai: Al Nasr coach Walter Zenga is eyeing an assault on the Etisalat Pro League title, having finished third and second in his past two seasons at the Oud Mehta-based club.

Al Nasr sealed second place after drawing 2-2 at Al Shabab in their final game of the season on Saturday.

But the legendary former Italy goalkeeper wants more from his side, who have yet to end a 26-year wait for honours.

A 90th minute Jociel Ferraira Da Silva penalty ruled out Mark Bresciano's 84th minute winner after Keiza had put the home side ahead on 25 minutes and Habib Fardan equalised on 53 minutes.

Zenga said: "After finishing third and second, we're now hoping for a championship in the future. We don't know how long that will take — we may need more time — but this is what everybody is now working toward.

"For the past 26 years, Al Nasr hasn't won any championships, and before I arrived one-and-a-half years ago, the team was eighth. None of the coaches before me won anything, which makes second an achievement. But there's still more to do."

Need for hard work

Zenga said his side needed to work harder and make more sacrifices than any other team in the League to turn themselves into title challengers.

He explained: "For instance, we gave the first half to our opponents [Al Shabab] tonight not because they were better than us, but because our personality on the field was wrong. Our opponents didn't play that well, but they denied us two points. We must aim to correct these mistakes."

He added: "That said, I'm pleased with this second-place finish on top of third last year, and I would like to thank the fans and the board for all their efforts. In general, this was a real team effort and I'd like to congratulate everybody for reaching second position."