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AFC Champions League Elite
Success has followed the Algerian at every stage of his career - lifting trophy after trophy with Leicester City, Manchester City, the Algerian national team and with Al Ahli Saudi but Mahrez said he wants more.
“I have had an amazing journey in my career with amazing memories with all the clubs that I’ve been at,” said Mahrez. “Obviously I’m much calmer now than when I won the first trophy with Leicester. I’m now more experienced to handle such games.
“Every trophy means a lot, whatever the competition. For me, to win with this club two years in a row will be amazing. There’s no comparison. I just want to take what’s in front of me and win.”
“Every trophy means a lot, whatever the competition. For me, to win with this club two years in a row will be amazing. There’s no comparison. I just want to take what’s in front of me and win.”
Last season, Mahrez set the tournament alight with nine goals compared to four this campaign but the 35-year-old continues to pull the strings for Matthias Jaissle’s side.
He stepped up when Al Ahli Saudi needed inspiration in the Round of 16 against Al Duhail SC, scoring with a sublime free-kick three minutes before the end of extra time, and was also an influential figure in the subsequent tough matches against Johor Darul Ta’zim and Vissel Kobe, with the defending champions having to come from behind to win in both.
The tough journey, said Mahrez, has ensured Al Ahli Saudi will not let their guard down at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.
He stepped up when Al Ahli Saudi needed inspiration in the Round of 16 against Al Duhail SC, scoring with a sublime free-kick three minutes before the end of extra time, and was also an influential figure in the subsequent tough matches against Johor Darul Ta’zim and Vissel Kobe, with the defending champions having to come from behind to win in both.
The tough journey, said Mahrez, has ensured Al Ahli Saudi will not let their guard down at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.
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“When we started the season, we had a lot of targets. Everything that we play in, I want to win. I couldn’t win the African Cup of Nations, the league is not finished but now we have a chance in the AFC Champions League Elite.
“We won't take anything for granted. To be in the final two years in a row is something incredible. Every day, with the experience of last year, brings more calm and confidence.
“But that doesn’t mean that we are losing our focus or taking it easy. The opponents are here for a reason and they will play 100 percent. We know every game we have played here since the Round of 16 has not been easy and we’re expecting another tough one but we know what we have to do.”
“We won't take anything for granted. To be in the final two years in a row is something incredible. Every day, with the experience of last year, brings more calm and confidence.
“But that doesn’t mean that we are losing our focus or taking it easy. The opponents are here for a reason and they will play 100 percent. We know every game we have played here since the Round of 16 has not been easy and we’re expecting another tough one but we know what we have to do.”
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