Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says he anticipates an exciting confrontation between his club and Al Ahly in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
The Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will host the nail-biting last four clash between two of the World’s biggest football institutions from 8PM.
“I believe it will be a very interesting game,” Ancelotti started before explaining why;
“Both clubs have a huge number of supporters here. Al Ahly has a very long lasting history, one of the best in the World.The team is well organised, the players are fast and experienced. They too want to win as much as we do. It’s a club with a good record of success.
“We are delighted to be here, we have a huge following of supporters who we want to please, by finishing on a high note.
Comeback ‘kings’ Real Madrid have endured a struggled start to domestic life, falling eight points away from eternal rivals Barcelona in the La Liga.
Ancelotti believes a positive outcome against Al Ahly in their third semi-final in a spin and a win in the final could impact the rest of their season.
The Italian trainer believes besides the fans and historic background of both clubs, events in Morocco could have far-reaching impacts on his team.
“A win here will boost us for the rest of the season,” the multiple UEFA Champions League winner revealed.
THE PLAN.#ClubWC pic.twitter.com/l6Yn4Gxbso
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 7, 2023
Speaking about Vinicius Jnr who has been subjected to racial abuse by fans on multiple occasions in the past weeks, Ancelotti added;
“The problem with Vinicius is his personal problems. He is guilty and a victim at the same time. I don’t think I fully understand the subject,” the former defender in cleared the controversial question immediately it was thrown towards him.”
Regarding the absences of Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois and Ferland Mendy, who are on the official squad for the tournament, the former Milan gaffer said: “They are on the list and may be fit for Saturday’s match. We have preferred to leave them in Madrid to rest. They will join us on Thursday.”
Four-time winners Real Madrid begin their quest for another Club World Cup title when they clash with the ten-time CAF Champions winners Al Ahly in the semi at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The winners of this fixture will face either Brazil’s Flamengo or Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the final on Saturday, while the losers rob-off to determine who finishes in third place.
Morocco’s capacity to host such a high profile tournament again confirms the country’s credentials to host top level continental and global events.
Al Ahly are pitted against Cotonsport of Garoua, Al Hilal of Sudan and Mamelodi Sundowns in this season’s CAF Champions League. They will get into the competition just after the FIFA Club World Cup.
Copyright©2023 kick442.com
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
