AFC Champions League Elite
The German tactician admitted the defending champions were second best in the first half, allowing Khusain Norchaev to net a brace for the Uzbekistan outfit, before putting on a show to walk away with a 4-2 win.
#ACLElite | Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 4-2 PFC Nasaf (UZB)
"The match was difficult,” said Jaissle. “We weren't present in the first half and conceded two goals, but we realised we had to show our character in the second half.
"It was wonderful to see the team play with unity for the fans and I enjoyed watching my players score goals with great passion.
"There are many reasons for the team's poor performance in any part of the match. We've talked a lot about the importance of speed, and we can't ignore the fact that the fans' support was indeed one of the most important reasons for our victory.”
"It was wonderful to see the team play with unity for the fans and I enjoyed watching my players score goals with great passion.
"There are many reasons for the team's poor performance in any part of the match. We've talked a lot about the importance of speed, and we can't ignore the fact that the fans' support was indeed one of the most important reasons for our victory.”
Two goals from Enzo Millot pulled Al Ahli back into the game before stoppage time strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Sulaiman ensured the points for the Saudi Pro League side.
With a vital league match against Al Hilal SFC to come on Friday before a tie against Egypt’s Pyramid FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in a week’s time, Jaissle was mindful not to put his players under too high a load this early in the season.
"It was important for us to come out on top today, and I must emphasise my pride in the team after their comeback and amazing four-goal victory.
"Of course, as a coach, you always have to look at the big picture. I didn't want to risk important players in today's match, and I tried to find a balance in rotating players between this match and the next.”
With a vital league match against Al Hilal SFC to come on Friday before a tie against Egypt’s Pyramid FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in a week’s time, Jaissle was mindful not to put his players under too high a load this early in the season.
"It was important for us to come out on top today, and I must emphasise my pride in the team after their comeback and amazing four-goal victory.
"Of course, as a coach, you always have to look at the big picture. I didn't want to risk important players in today's match, and I tried to find a balance in rotating players between this match and the next.”
The inability to see out the win after taking a 2-0 lead was rued by Nasaf head coach Ruzikul Berdiev, who felt that Abduvakhid Nematov’s mistake changed the complexion of the game after the goalkeeper’s heavy touch outside his penalty box saw Millot pull a goal back midway through the second half.
"We lost due to a mistake by the goalkeeper when he advanced in front of the striker and had to hold the ball,” said Berdiev. "In the second half, our opponents came back into the game, and fatigue also affected our players. Our opponent in this match was very strong.
"We conceded four goals today, and of course there's a big difference between our local league and the AFC Champions League. There's no comparison in terms of the quality of the players and teams participating in this edition compared to what we have in the local league.”
"We lost due to a mistake by the goalkeeper when he advanced in front of the striker and had to hold the ball,” said Berdiev. "In the second half, our opponents came back into the game, and fatigue also affected our players. Our opponent in this match was very strong.
"We conceded four goals today, and of course there's a big difference between our local league and the AFC Champions League. There's no comparison in terms of the quality of the players and teams participating in this edition compared to what we have in the local league.”
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