The new managerial brains in the ADNOC Pro League are beginning to leave their mark. After just five matchweeks, some have quickly embedded their philosophies and stamped their identities on their teams, while others continue to search for balance and consistency.
At the forefront is José Morais, who has made an immediate impact with Al Wahda. The Portuguese tactician has guided his side to an unbeaten start — three wins and two draws — collecting 11 points to sit second in the table.
His team has scored eight goals and conceded just two, showcasing both attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.
Meanwhile, Castro’s Al Wasl have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. The “Emperor” have gathered 10 points from three wins, one draw, and a defeat, leaving them fifth in the standings — level on points with Kalba and defending champions Shabab Al Ahli.
Al Wasl have hit seven goals and shipped five, as they continue to chase the league leaders.
One of the standout stories belongs to Zeljko Petrovic, who has overseen Al Dhafra’s best-ever start in the Pro League.
The Montenegrin manager has steered the newly promoted side to nine points from three victories, placing them sixth after five rounds — a remarkable turnaround for the club.
Elsewhere, both Slavisa Jokanovic and Milos Milojevic have experienced similar challenges at Al Nasr and Sharjah respectively.
Jokanovic’s side sit eighth with eight points from two wins, two draws, and a defeat, while Milojevic’s Sharjah have struggled to find rhythm, managing just four points from a single win and a draw, losing three matches to lie tenth.
The situation is far more concerning for Bani Yas and Khorfakkan. Bani Yas, under new Bulgarian boss Ivaylo Petev, remain rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points after five consecutive defeats.
Khorfakkan, now led by Hassan Alabdooli, have fared only slightly better, claiming one point from a draw and four losses, still waiting for their first win of the season.
As the league heads into its next phase, the picture is clear — some of the new managers have adapted quickly and are already challenging at the top, while others face growing pressure to turn early promise into results before it’s too late.
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