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Preview – QF: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)
AIPS ASIA News:
Despite Marinos’ domestic woes, which sees them at the bottom of the J1 League standings, Al Nassr head coach Stefano Pioli said there will be no room for complacency as Italian seeks to steer his side to an inaugural AFC Champions League Elite title.
“It doesn’t matter where Yokohama are in their league,” said Pioli. “We know Japanese teams are technically sound and they can hurt us if we are not ready for the challenge.
“In this competition, there is no team who will be the clear favourites and that is what is beautiful about a competition of this level.
“We are ready for the match. We have full confidence to win the title. Our promise to the fans is to always give our best to win the game.”
Sitting third in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr will go into the tie full of confidence after winning 3-2 against Damac FC on Tuesday despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane being rested.
Both will be expected to start against Marinos, with Ronaldo on seven goals from six appearances.
It will be an entirely different situation for Marinos who are struggling in the J1 League despite enjoying stellar form on the continent – which includes finishing runners-up in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.
The Japanese side recovered from losing their opening League Stage match to Gwangju FC to win their next six games to advance and continued that form in the Round of 16, cruising 5-1 on aggregate past China PR’s Shanghai Port FC.
Their dismal domestic form led to Patrick Kisnorbo replacing Steve Holland as head coach with the Australian saying his focus is to get Marinos’ season back on track.
“There’s no single factor that has caused such a drastic change to the club,” said Kisnorbo. “If we look at some of the results, it was close and margins were tight in those games.
“Had there been some luck going our way in those matches, I’m sure we would be in a better position. Now I’m given this opportunity, I’m ready to help the club and to improve the club’s fortunes but it won’t happen overnight.
“We want to change but in small steps and not too quickly. First we wanted to change the way we train and how we set up for games. The players have been great and motivated. We focus on ourselves and what we can do for tomorrow’s game.”
Courtesy AFC
Preview – QF: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)
AIPS ASIA News:
Despite Marinos’ domestic woes, which sees them at the bottom of the J1 League standings, Al Nassr head coach Stefano Pioli said there will be no room for complacency as Italian seeks to steer his side to an inaugural AFC Champions League Elite title.
“It doesn’t matter where Yokohama are in their league,” said Pioli. “We know Japanese teams are technically sound and they can hurt us if we are not ready for the challenge.
“In this competition, there is no team who will be the clear favourites and that is what is beautiful about a competition of this level.
“We are ready for the match. We have full confidence to win the title. Our promise to the fans is to always give our best to win the game.”
Sitting third in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr will go into the tie full of confidence after winning 3-2 against Damac FC on Tuesday despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane being rested.
Both will be expected to start against Marinos, with Ronaldo on seven goals from six appearances.
It will be an entirely different situation for Marinos who are struggling in the J1 League despite enjoying stellar form on the continent – which includes finishing runners-up in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.
The Japanese side recovered from losing their opening League Stage match to Gwangju FC to win their next six games to advance and continued that form in the Round of 16, cruising 5-1 on aggregate past China PR’s Shanghai Port FC.
Their dismal domestic form led to Patrick Kisnorbo replacing Steve Holland as head coach with the Australian saying his focus is to get Marinos’ season back on track.
“There’s no single factor that has caused such a drastic change to the club,” said Kisnorbo. “If we look at some of the results, it was close and margins were tight in those games.
“Had there been some luck going our way in those matches, I’m sure we would be in a better position. Now I’m given this opportunity, I’m ready to help the club and to improve the club’s fortunes but it won’t happen overnight.
“We want to change but in small steps and not too quickly. First we wanted to change the way we train and how we set up for games. The players have been great and motivated. We focus on ourselves and what we can do for tomorrow’s game.”
Courtesy AFC
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