Serbian coach Nestor El Maestro, manager of Al-Najma, expressed his immense joy at the team's first victory in the 2025/26 Saudi Professional League, emphasizing that this win came at a crucial time to boost the morale of both the players and the fans. This came during the post-match press conference following his team's victory over Al-Kholoud, a valuable win that earned Al-Najma their first three points of the season.
In his remarks, El Maestro said: “I’m very happy with this result. We all know that the club and its fans have been waiting for this victory for a long time. It was a difficult start for us in the league, but this win is the fruit of the great effort the players put in during training and the match.” He added, emphasizing the difficulty of the task: “We tried to be organized both collectively and individually to make the difference, and the players deserved this victory. But we must be realistic; the team’s position in the standings is still complicated, and this is just the first step in a long and arduous journey.”.
Context of the victory and its importance for a newly promoted club
This victory comes amidst unprecedented competitive conditions in the Saudi Professional League, which in recent years has become a destination for the world's top football stars. For Al-Najma, newly promoted to the top flight, every point is doubly important in their fight to stay in the league and establish themselves among the elite. The team struggled in the early rounds to adapt to the high level of competition, which is normal for clubs lacking experience at this level. Therefore, this win is more than just three points; it's a huge boost of confidence that the team is capable of competing and achieving positive results.
El Maestro's return and his expected impact
The return of coach Néstor El Maestro to Saudi football represents a significant technical boost, especially given his previous experience in the Saudi Professional League, where he managed Al-Taawoun. This experience gives him a deep understanding of the competition, the players, and the overall atmosphere, which could accelerate the process of building a strong team. Regarding his return, he commented: “This league is very strong and has developed remarkably. I didn't focus on what I found upon my arrival, but rather on implementing my own style and plans. I'm happy to be back, and I hope this victory will motivate us all to perform even better in the upcoming matches.”.
Despite this victory, Al-Najma raised its points tally to 8, but remains in the lower ranks of the standings. The biggest challenge for El Maestro and his players will be to build on this win and capitalize on the morale boost to achieve a series of positive results that will ensure the team moves away from the relegation zone and secures its place in the professional league.
