As part of intensive preparations for the upcoming match, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Nassr, confirmed the readiness of his squad for the decisive second leg against Turkmenistan's Erkadag. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening, as part of the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League, a tournament in which the Saudi team aspires to advance towards the title.
The challenges of the second leg and the pressure of the matches
During the pre-match press conference, Jesus emphasized that the positive result in the first leg did not guarantee qualification. He stated, "We won the first leg, but our opponents will be much stronger and more determined in the return leg to overturn the result. We are determined to win and prove our worthiness to advance in the AFC Champions League." This statement reflects the experienced mindset of a coach well-versed in continental competitions, where second-leg matches often hold unexpected surprises if not approached with sufficient seriousness.
The Portuguese coach addressed one of the biggest challenges facing Saudi clubs competing on multiple fronts: the congested schedule. He explained, "We play matches every three days, which demands a great deal of physical and mental effort. Therefore, we will manage the squad intelligently to avoid fatigue and injuries, which is why we couldn't field our full starting lineup in some Asian matches." Rotation is considered essential in modern football, especially for teams competing both domestically and continentally, to maintain consistent performance throughout the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo's stance on participation
Regarding the most frequently asked question among fans and the media about the participation of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesus left the door open to all possibilities, while simultaneously praising his captain's abilities. He stated, "Ronaldo is different from other players due to his unique characteristics, and he has exerted a tremendous and exceptional effort in previous matches. We will make a final decision regarding his participation after assessing his condition in today's training session." This statement demonstrates the coaching staff's keenness not to risk the team's star player until they are absolutely certain of his physical readiness, especially given the tight schedule of matches.
The importance of fan support in the Asian campaign
Jesus concluded his remarks with a direct and heartfelt message to Al-Nassr fans, acknowledging their pivotal role in such crucial matches. He said, "My message to Al-Nassr fans is to come out as they always have; their presence in the stands boosts the players' morale immensely and propels them forward, and we constantly need their support." Al-Nassr fans are known for their significant impact on home matches, creating immense pressure on opponents and providing a powerful motivator for their own players.
General context and continental aspirations
This match comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing an unprecedented surge in both recruitment and competition, with Saudi clubs aiming to dominate Asian championships under their various names. The AFC Champions League presents Al-Nassr with a golden opportunity to add another continental title to its trophy cabinet, further solidifying its regional and international standing. A victory tomorrow and overcoming the challenge of Arkadag will not only secure passage to the next round but will also send a powerful message to its rivals about the team's serious intent to win the title.
