Joao Henriques – ambitious, hard-working and highly organised

The 50-year-old Portuguese strategist Joao Henriques has previously managed Maritimo, Moreirense, Vitorio Guimaraes, Santa Clara and Pacos de Ferreiro. Santa Clara was the first time he got to know Slovenia better. As he mentioned in his presentation on Wednesday, he reached his limit in Portugal, so he came to Slovenia in search of new challenges.

Joao Henriques on why he chose Olimpija: “The decision to move to Ljubljana and become the head coach of Olimpija was a simple one. The sport director presented me with a project that I was excited about. I like to win and I look for opportunities to win trophies. I believe that Olimpija is the right challenge and the right path for the future.”

On talent, style of football and goals:”Looking back at last season’s games, I was amazed by the talent that Olimpija has. We have young talented players, two of whom are currently with the Slovenian national team. I believe there will be more in the future! I came to a big club. Big clubs need to dominate. I like the ball, I like the aggression and intensity and I like us to create a lot of scoring chances. The goal should always be to win. I strive for attractive and attacking football. We will work to achieve the targets set. This is the perfect club for winning.”

On the draw for the Champions League qualifiers: “We have a big responsibility, representing Slovenia, Ljubljana and Olimpija. It is important to focus on qualification. We want to go as far as possible. I believe it will be difficult because the Champions League is the best league in the world and we have no choice who to play. It’s the luck of the draw, we hope. In theory, there are stronger teams, so hopefully we will get a tailor-made opponent.”

Joao Henriques has already got to know the Dragons’ team, which started the season with four reinforcements. Nemanja Motika, Saar Fadida, Ahmet Muhametbegovic and Raul Florucz are among them, and the Green-Whites are expecting a new arrival soon. The Dragons will train in a double schedule in the coming days, with the first preparatory match against Radomlje on Monday, which will be closed to the public.