Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller has affirmed the team’s readiness for the Challenger Cup match against Mexico’s Pachuca. The game, set to take place on Saturday at 5 pm GMT, at 974 Stadium in Qatar, serves as a qualifier for the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Koller spoke at the pre-match press conference and as reported by Al Ahly official website, these are his paraphrased points and statements:
Koller expressed confidence in his players' extensive experience, enabling them to handle a match of this magnitude.
"The players have the expertise to face Pachuca and compete in a tournament as significant as the Intercontinental Cup," he stated.
Koller highlighted the importance of fan support, describing it as the "12th player," and expressed hope for the same enthusiastic crowd turnout that supported Al Ahly against Al Ain in Cairo.
“When the players sense the strength of the opponent, we need to play even stronger,” Koller added. “I hope we secure victory, exert maximum effort during the game, and perform with the highest energy and focus.”
The coach acknowledged that Botafogo was the favorite to win the Derby of the Americas against Pachuca, but unexpected outcomes are part of football. He noted Pachuca’s ability to score, which motivates Al Ahly to push harder for victory and reach the anticipated final against Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup.
Koller praised the facilities where the team trained, emphasizing that the conditions are ideal for maximizing their performance.
Despite the team facing fatigue from a demanding match schedule, Koller commended the players' physical fitness and resilience. He pointed out their consistent performance over the past two years, thanking everyone for maintaining a high standard and coping with the pressures of frequent games.
Reflecting on Al Ahly’s past performances in the FIFA Club World Cup, Koller emphasized the team's determination to continue their journey and avoid returning to Cairo empty-handed. “We aim to focus on tomorrow’s game, score goals, and build on our previous successes,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Koller reiterated the crucial role of the fans in the team’s achievements and expressed his hope that Al Ahly would advance past Pachuca to reach the final and claim a prestigious global title.
Comments