AFC Champions League Elite
Japan’s Machida defeated Al Ittihad Club 1-0 in the quarter-finals on Friday while Shabab needed extra-time to beat Buriram United 3-2 a day later but the former high-school coach turned professional tactician said everything goes out the window once the opening whistle is blown.
“For us, this (to reach semi-finals) was the first challenge when we came to Jeddah,” said Kuroda. “We played against a high level opponent (Al Sadd SC) and managed to advance. We are so pleased.
“The players are thankful as well. We are here to win the tournament so we don’t want to lose. Yes, we have an advantage from a schedule perspective. But this is the semi-final, both teams will expect a high quality match and as soon as the game starts, the players won’t feel whatever lethargy they were feeling before.”
“The players are thankful as well. We are here to win the tournament so we don’t want to lose. Yes, we have an advantage from a schedule perspective. But this is the semi-final, both teams will expect a high quality match and as soon as the game starts, the players won’t feel whatever lethargy they were feeling before.”
Shabab’s six goals over two matches they have played in Jeddah present a formidable challenge for tournament debutants Machida but Kuroda has faith in his defenders - who shut out opponents in six of their 11 matches.
“Through the J-League to this tournament, we have built a strong defensive ethos where we have kept clean sheets and that builds confidence in the players. Our opponents are physically strong and have speed, but I expect us to deal with them properly.”
“Through the J-League to this tournament, we have built a strong defensive ethos where we have kept clean sheets and that builds confidence in the players. Our opponents are physically strong and have speed, but I expect us to deal with them properly.”
#ACLElite - Preview: Semi-finals
As for Shabab’s Paulo Sousa, the run to the semi-finals has been special as it has given opportunities for his young players to develop, with the tactician expecting even more from them.
“I’m very content that we are one of the best four teams in the continent, this is a great pride,” said Sousa. “But we are not done yet, we still want to go further."
“I’m very content that we are one of the best four teams in the continent, this is a great pride,” said Sousa. “But we are not done yet, we still want to go further."
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“Our presence in this tournament makes us very proud, particularly as we have young players with at least 10 of age 22 or less who have played. They have developed well, which makes the coaching staff very proud.
“We will only start preparing for the match today because yesterday was about recovery. We know Machida are one of the most competitive teams but we will dream and fight to win this game.”
“We will only start preparing for the match today because yesterday was about recovery. We know Machida are one of the most competitive teams but we will dream and fight to win this game.”
FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:15 (UTC+3)
Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:15 (UTC+3)
