Boss Ivan Jovanovic is confident his European success will aid Al Nasr during the 2016 AFC Champions League, as they prepare to learn their fate in today’s group-stage draw.
The Blue Wave earned an automatic return to Asia’s premier club competition for the first time since 2012 with victory in last season’s President’s Cup.
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They are joined automatically by Arabian Gulf League winners Al Ain, while runners-up Al Jazira and third-placed Al Shabab will also feature in Thursday afternoon’s ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, despite needing play-offs next year to earn their berths.
Jovanovic, 53, took unfancied Cypriots APOEL to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2011-12 and he believes this experience could be key when the action begins next February.
He said: “It is very pleasant from our side (to be in the ACL) and also you have great responsibility to represent your country.
“It was my best moments as a coach in Europe. It is now my first participation in the Asian competition and some of my experience gained in Europe will help me.”
Shabab face a daunting play-off trip to Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor on February 9, while the Pride of Abu Dhabi have a glamour tie against Xavi’s Al Sadd on the same day.
Veteran defender Juma Abdulla, 33, cannot wait to welcome the Barcelona and Spain legend to the capital.
He said: “It’s the most important competition in Asia, so we have to try our best. We know Al Sadd will want to be in the group stages too and we will fight to be in it.
“It will be an honour to play against a great player like Xavi.
“It’s good for us to play against somebody important like him.”