Željo presented new coach, says Ivica Osim is his inspiration

(Patria) - The new head of the professional staff of Football Club (FK) Željezničar, Abdulhakeem Al-Tuwaijri, was presented today in the Blue Hall of the Sarajevo stadium Grbavica, writes SCsport.ba.

Addressing the press conference, Željo's vice-president Jusuf Tanović said that Al-Tuwaijri's arrival is purely technical and business-related, and has nothing to do with potential investment in the club from Grbavica.

However, before anything else, he thanked the former president of the Board of Directors, Edis Kovačević, for his significant commitment over the past two years.

- Although the reason for the conference is another matter, at the beginning I would like to thank the former president Edis Kovačević for the excellent cooperation and leadership during one of the most difficult periods in the club's history.

We stabilized operations, settled many debts, and laid the foundation for the further development of the club. We are presenting such a step forward to you today - said Tanović.

He then introduced the new head of Željezničar's professional staff, but also explained that it has nothing to do with potential investment in the Blues.

- His engagement is the result of cooperation with the Football Federation of Saudi Arabia. This agreement has nothing to do with a potential investor; we continue to look for an investor.

Based on this arrival, young Abdulmalik Al-Jaber also arrived. We expect to create a partnership with Jozak for the satisfaction of both sides, as he is a great friend of our club - stated Tanović.

After that, the new head of Željezničar's professional staff addressed the attendees.

- It is a pleasure to be here, thank you to the club. The plan, idea, and strategy are in place. I am proud to be a part of this club and its history, I am privileged.

I want to thank the management from Saudi Arabia who gave me their support and made this possible. We want to create a partnership for mutual satisfaction - emphasized Al-Tuwaijri.

He points out that Željezničar wants to return to where it deserves to be.

- The goal is to be where we should be and to return where we deserve to be. We know we have quality, and with the help of the structures, we want to continue the good work - emphasizes the new coach of the team from Grbavica.

Tanović pointed out that it is not realistic to expect the team to be led by him already against Borac.

- We will immediately start the procedure for a work permit, we hope to finish it during the international break. It is not realistic for the match against Borac - said Tanović.

The Saudi expert points out that he has watched some of the Blues' matches.

- I watched some matches, the last one was against Sarajevo. I have an image of the team and an idea of how it should look. We know the situation with the team. It is important that we analyze what we need to improve - emphasized Al-Tuwaijri.

Tanović also spoke about the length of the contract, but also pointed out that Bekrić's position is not threatened.

- We have ideas about what we need to do in such a short period. Serious work awaits us, we have a vision of how we want to improve the team during the break. Fans must show faith in this concept, and we are sure that we can carry it out.

We are convinced that this is the right decision. Bekrić's position is not threatened; he will be fully involved in this project, but with much more favorable conditions. Al-Tuwaijri signed a contract until the end of the season; he will have conditions just like any other coach. They have the opportunity to prove themselves - emphasized Tanović.

The Saudi expert also showed respect for the history and true legends of Željezničar, as well as for the fans, with his statement.

- Ivica Osim is my inspiration. The club is of incredible magnitude - stated Al-Tuwaijri.

This expert says he is aware that skepticism exists, but that the results will speak.

- It is easy to judge without knowing the city, the coach, and the personality. This is the best indicator of my character; I am the first coach from Saudi Arabia in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Skepticism is justified, but the results will tell everything.

We will analyze the situation; we see that more reliance was placed on experienced players. With us, until the end of the first half of the season, it will be a mix; we will see what the team can do. I want to have the best people by my side. I think I have one of the best assistants in Luca Guerra - states the 44-year-old expert.

With Al-Tuwaijri, fitness coach Luca Carlo Guerra from Italy also arrived at Grbavica. Guerra has worked with giants like Napoli, Bayern, and Everton, and holds a Master's degree in Theory and Athletic Training in Football from the University of Pisa, as well as a Master's degree in Sports from the University of Bologna.