Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Riyadh: Al Hilal Technical Director Sami Al Jaber is banking on home comforts to help lift his side in their AFC Champions League Group D opener against United Arab Emirates President’s Cup winners Al Ahli on Wednesday at King Fahd International Stadium.
Al Jaber’s side finished second in the Saudi Pro League in 2013, eight points behind champions Al Fateh, and suffered more agony in the AFC Champions League last year when they lost 3-2 to Qatar’s Lekhwiya in the Round of 16.
Currently in second place in their domestic campaign, the two-time Asian champions come into the fixture with familiar foes Al Ahli on a high having defeated table-toppers Al Nassr 4-3 in last Friday’s exciting league showdown.
“The match is the top match of the round in the AFC Champions League and we expect a lot of fans to show up and support us. The AFC Champions League is a big competition and we know a lot about Al Ahli and they know also a lot of information about us,” said Al Hilal coach Al Jaber.
“Al Ahli are a strong team and they have good individual players. They have good attackers and they have been building this team for nearly four years. We are ready for the match and hopefully we can have a good start in the competition with a victory at home.”
Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu (pictured) is very familiar with Wednesday’s Group D opponents having been at the helm of Al Hilal from 2007 to 2009 during which time the side secured a league title and two Saudi Crown Prince Cups.
The Dubai-based club will be looking to make an impression in the AFC Champions League this year after being eliminated from the group stages in their previous three appearances in the competition.
“We know a lot about Al Hilal and we have a lot of information about them. I'm happy to return to Riyadh especially because I had great time with Al Hilal and this will give me a good advantage in order to win,” said Al Ahli coach Olaroiu.
“We know Al Hilal’s strengths and weaknesses and we are going into the match in order to get the three points.
“We are currently on the top of the league but this will not affect our campaign in the AFC Champions League as we have good players who know how to deal with any competition.”
Photo: AFP