AFC Champions League Elite
Al Ahli joined cross-town rivals Al Ittihad Club as the only sides to have won the trophy in successive seasons, with Jaissle admitting this year’s triumph had been filled with much tougher challenges.
#ACLElite | Final : Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-0 FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
“I’m just really proud of what the team achieved,” said Jaissle. “How every player was committed to the journey. This year was special because we needed to overcome more obstacles along the way.
“Obviously a part of it (winning again) was because we played here in Jeddah in front of our fans who pushed us and gave us extra energy. To win it back to back is something historic.
“Feels a bit weird (right now). My tank is a bit empty. So much relief because the pressure was on. It will take a couple of days for this to sink in but we still have matches in the league and we still want to progress ahead of the teams in front of us.”
“Obviously a part of it (winning again) was because we played here in Jeddah in front of our fans who pushed us and gave us extra energy. To win it back to back is something historic.
“Feels a bit weird (right now). My tank is a bit empty. So much relief because the pressure was on. It will take a couple of days for this to sink in but we still have matches in the league and we still want to progress ahead of the teams in front of us.”
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The German tactician praised tournament debutants Machida, with Jaissle admitting his side struggled to break down the Japanese side’s defence.
Zakaria Hawsawi’s 68th minute red card for a headbutt on Tete Yengi further complicated matters but Al Ahli triumphed in adversity thanks to Feras Al Brikan’s strike in the sixth minute of extra time.
Zakaria Hawsawi’s 68th minute red card for a headbutt on Tete Yengi further complicated matters but Al Ahli triumphed in adversity thanks to Feras Al Brikan’s strike in the sixth minute of extra time.
“We knew we were facing opponents who are so disciplined when out of possession. We had opportunities to score but it became harder after Hawsawi was sent off for an unnecessary action.
“But we showed the right mentality and the players kept believing and that makes me so proud as a coach
“We talked about it at the break that with a man down, we had to suffer more and work harder. However, we have quality players who can make one moment count.”
“But we showed the right mentality and the players kept believing and that makes me so proud as a coach
“We talked about it at the break that with a man down, we had to suffer more and work harder. However, we have quality players who can make one moment count.”
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