Diaz banking on experience to power Al Hilal
Riyadh: Coach Ramon Diaz is banking on the experience of Al Hilal players to carry the team through in what he expects to be a tense match as his side welcome Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of the 2017 AFC Champions League final.
The Saudi side reached their second AFC Champions League final in four years with an emphatic 6-2 aggregate victory over Persepolis in the semi-final, and Diaz believes that result demonstrated the type of mental resilience he expects to see on Saturday.
“We have a group of experienced players like our captain Osama Hawsawi (pictured below), who is the most capped Saudi player,” explained the Argentine.
“They understand how to remain calm and composed in big occasions. Many of our players have the experience of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and the experience of reaching this final.
“The semi-final first leg was a prime example; we had a player sent off early in the second half, but we still went on to score two more goals and win 4-0.
An attacking style adopted throughout the tournament saw Al Hilal score 23 goals en route to the final, and Diaz was adamant that Al Hilal will continue to play in their natural pressing style as they look to continue their unbeaten run in the competition.
“Our natural instinct is to always apply pressure on our opponents. We are a team with presence and like to keep a good share of possession. The players have trained and played using our style for a long time and they understand it very well, we will attack for sure and try to score goals,” said Diaz
“We prepared well and learned how to counter Urawa’s key strengths, but they also have to be prepared to face our attack with our high rhythm football. The team that remain focused and make the least mistakes will win this game.
Al Hilal defeated Persepolis 6-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
The 58-year-old issued a rallying cry for Al Hilal fans to come in numbers and remain positive throughout the match as his men try to build a good foundation with a first leg victory.
“Everyone at the club from the president to the players to every employee at the club is going into tomorrow’s game with the objective of making our fans happy. So, we invite you to come to the stadium and support us.
“We need the support of our fans and we need them to be positive. It is not just 90 minutes, but 180 minutes and we have to work hard throughout the 180 minutes to win the title.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports, AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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