Yassla reveals Al-Ahli Saudi's plan to face Shabab Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League
German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of the Al-Ahli Saudi FC first team, confirmed his team's complete readiness for the upcoming match against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League. This came during a press conference held by the coach to discuss Al-Ahli's preparations for this important Gulf derby, emphasizing the importance of a strong return to continental competition.
Strategy to cope with match pressure
Speaking about the challenges facing the team, Yassle explained that the coaching staff is fully aware of the difficult schedule and the pressure of the calendar, which involves participation in several domestic and continental competitions. Yassle said, "It's fantastic to be back in the AFC Champions League. We enter the match with high confidence, drawing strength from playing at home in front of our loyal fans." The coach pointed out that the team has positive memories from last season that they aim to build upon, explaining that the best solution for dealing with this pressure is a "rotation policy" and refreshing the starting lineup to keep the players at their peak physical and mental readiness.
The importance of the tournament with its new system
This match takes on special significance under the new format of the AFC Champions League, which brings together the strongest clubs in Asia in a fierce competition demanding stamina and squad depth. Participation in this edition presents a major challenge for Saudi clubs seeking to reaffirm their continental dominance, as winning home matches is crucial to securing qualification for the knockout stages. Al-Ahli Saudi is relying on its star-studded squad to achieve a strong start that reflects the club's ambitions to compete for the continental title.
Team spirit and national team ambition
Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi spoke confidently, emphasizing that the players are determined to win and overcome any excuses related to fatigue. Al-Sanbi said, "The coach's rotation policy reflects the team spirit and gives everyone the opportunity to prove themselves." The young goalkeeper added a crucial point regarding the players' personal motivation, noting that excelling with the club is the main gateway to representing the national team, an honor every player strives for, making every minute played a golden opportunity that must be utilized to the fullest.
Sports fans in the Gulf and Asia are eagerly awaiting this encounter, which has the character of a "Gulf derby," as Al-Ahli Saudi seeks to exploit the home advantage and the support of the fans to secure the three points, while the Emirati guest aspires to come out with a positive result that strengthens its position in the standings.
