AFC Champions League Elite
The Brazilian knew his team would come under pressure but remained calm as the players executed their counter attacking tactics to perfection to be one of only four teams left in the West Zone with maximum points after two rounds of matches.
#ACLElite | Al Ittihad Club (KSA) 1-2 Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)
“It was a tough match for both teams, especially for us given our familiarity with Al Ittihad,” said Jardine. “We scored two goals and could have scored more, we were well-organised defensively.
“Although we conceded possession in the second half, we defended superbly and succeeded. I had said before the match that we wanted to play on the counter-attack, and we capitalised on our key moments during the game.
“We combined solid defence with possession and intelligent attacking play; we have high-quality talent, and the better team won this match.”
“Although we conceded possession in the second half, we defended superbly and succeeded. I had said before the match that we wanted to play on the counter-attack, and we capitalised on our key moments during the game.
“We combined solid defence with possession and intelligent attacking play; we have high-quality talent, and the better team won this match.”
The explosive start that the visitors from the United Arab Emirates produced stunned the home side with Islamic Republic of Iran star Sardar Azmoun bagging a brace by the 16th minute.
Though Al Ittihad improved in the second half and pulled a goal back through Richard Montoya, head coach Jens Wissing was less than pleased with the sharpness of the attack.
Though Al Ittihad improved in the second half and pulled a goal back through Richard Montoya, head coach Jens Wissing was less than pleased with the sharpness of the attack.
“We cannot be happy as this is our second loss in the competition and we wanted a victory to bounce back,” said Wissing.
“We conceded two goals due to avoidable errors, which made the task much harder thereafter. My job as a coach is to work with the players; we improved in the second half and reached the opponents’ goal, but we lacked the finishing touch.
“We played with three forwards because we were delivering more crosses and hoped to capitalise on one of them. We had numerous chances and could have performed better, the poor start was the main issue.
“I looked at the statistics and we had significant possession which indicates control, we tried to turn the match around but didn't succeed.”
“We conceded two goals due to avoidable errors, which made the task much harder thereafter. My job as a coach is to work with the players; we improved in the second half and reached the opponents’ goal, but we lacked the finishing touch.
“We played with three forwards because we were delivering more crosses and hoped to capitalise on one of them. We had numerous chances and could have performed better, the poor start was the main issue.
“I looked at the statistics and we had significant possession which indicates control, we tried to turn the match around but didn't succeed.”
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