When Raul Longhi (Mar de la Plata, Argentina, 1952) ceased to be coach of the Espanyol B in 2013 he had an experience in Italy until he got a call from Malaysia. It would be added to the unknown project of the Johor Darul Takzim, a club recently acquired by the prince of the sultanate, Tunku Ismail. There he spent three years, as second and first coach, in which he won countless titles. He also understood the way of working of the main candidate to win the Valencia.
The name of Tunku Ismail, prince of Johor, rings out strongly in Valencia. You worked at your club in Malaysia at Johor Darul Takzim. How was that experience?
I worked three and a half years in Johor. The prince took over the club in 2012 and has made it the most sportingly and financially powerful in Malaysia. He recently won the AFC CUP, which is comparable to the Europa League, and has accumulated 16 titles since 2013.
How did you transform the club?
It has built a Sports City with three training fields. One of them is covered due to the rains and high temperatures. All facilities have high-level equipment. He even built the new stadium that he opened a year ago, which has nothing to envy the best in Europe.
What kind of president is he?
He is a president involved in all areas of the club. I would describe him as smart, passionate, winning, and demanding. He is always looking to give the maximum performance for the development of the club.
Where does your passion for football come from?
He has traveled through Europe, has visited important clubs such as Barcelona, Valencia or Real Madrid. He is up to date with everything that happens in European football. Is his passion. As a hobby he also likes polo.
Longhi, in Johor.
DAILY AS
Why is he a prince?
Malaysia is divided into sectors and his father is the Sultan of Johor. It is a city one hour from Singapore where it is very quiet, it is growing by leaps and bounds with the construction of skyscrapers and commercial centers in recent years. It is a very safe city. I am very grateful for the treatment I received from all the people. It was an enriching experience .
How is the prince in short distances?
It is a great motivator. He demands and maintains everyone with a great professional involvement in their tasks, he trusts his work team that he has had for years: a good structure with a sports director, technical secretary, youth football coordinator … He always maintains contact with all of them.
What would a Valencia fan tell you?
If this happens, I am totally convinced that Valencia will have a very competitive team.
Is being able to join a European team one of your aspirations?
I do not know his intentions, but he likes challenges and this can be exciting.