PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan are looking to inject some Spanish flair into Malaysian football by appointing Daniel Gimenez Alcaniz as their new head coach.
The Deer’s decision to turn to Spain, a nation synonymous with the possession-based and refined brand of football known as Tiki-Taka, is expected to spice up the M-League competition this season.
Alcaniz arrives with serious credentials. A UEFA Pro License holder, the Spanish tactician brings over a decade of professional coaching experience spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa.
He has coached Al Ahed, Al Nejmeh SC, Akhaa Al Ahly and national Under-17 team in Lebanon; Al Hilal in Sudan; Modern Sport in Egypt; and most recently Al-Nasr in the Oman Professional League.
He claimed the 2019 AFC Cup with Al Ahed and the Sudan Premier League title with Al Hilal, two achievements that underline his capacity to succeed in unfamiliar environments under pressure.
At Al-Nasr, he guided the club to a third-place finish in the Oman Professional League, earning them a berth in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Negri Sembilan chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the appointment was the product of a thorough and deliberate search.
“What caught our attention was not only his experience in various countries and international competitions, but also a football philosophy that aligns with Negri Sembilan’s identity,” said Aminuddin.
Youth development sits at the heart of the club’s vision, and it is an area where Alcaniz has built a strong reputation throughout his career.
“Daniel has a strong track record of developing young talent and maximising player potential.
“This is crucial because we believe the future of Negri Sembilan depends on the club’s ability to develop a generation of players capable of becoming the backbone of the team in the long run,” he said.
