A perfect start to a difficult task
Serbian-British coach Nestor El Maestro has made an immediate impact with his new team, Al-Najma FC of Saudi Arabia, leading them to their first win of the season in the Yellow Division. This valuable 2-1 victory against Al-Kholoud FC in the 22nd round of matches erases a previous negative memory for El Maestro and opens a new chapter filled with hope for his team, which is battling relegation.
Al-Najma Club announced the signing of the 42-year-old coach on a clear rescue mission, following a series of disastrous results under the previous coach, the Portuguese Mario Silva. Over 20 rounds, the team failed to secure a single victory, managing only five draws and suffering 15 defeats – a record that placed them at the bottom of the league table and made them the most likely candidate for relegation.
Background of El Maestro and his return to Saudi Arabia
Nestor El Maestro is no stranger to Saudi football, having previously managed Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Professional League, the Kingdom's top tier, during the 2021-2022 season. Although his time with the "Sugar Boys" was short-lived, it provided him with valuable experience in the competitive atmosphere of Saudi Arabia. Ironically, his last match with Al-Taawoun was a defeat against Al-Hilal, and now he returns to Saudi football with Al-Najma, securing a victory in his first match and turning the tide with a positive start.
The importance of winning and its expected impact
This victory is more than just three points for the team. Domestically, it represents a huge morale boost for the players and fans, reviving hopes of avoiding relegation. After 21 rounds of frustration, this win confirms that the task of staying up, while difficult, is not impossible. Al-Najma raised its points tally to 8, and although it remains in last place, the win reduces the gap with the teams in the safe zone and intensifies the competition at the bottom of the table.
Regionally, this immediate turnaround in results highlights the significant impact a mid-season managerial change can have, a well-known phenomenon in football. Other struggling clubs in the Yellow Subs will be watching this closely, as "El Maestro" has demonstrated that a new tactical approach and a different leadership style can spark a turnaround. The Serbian coach faces a tough task in the remaining rounds, needing to build on this victory and secure a run of positive results to ensure Etoile du Sahel's survival in the top flight.
