El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi yesterday urged his players to produce a 'disciplined performance' in their AFC Champions League knockout clash against Uzbek giants Bunyodkor, calling today's game 'a new challenge'.
The two sides clash at Lekhwiya Stadium today.
Lamouchi said his side may have the advantage of playing on the home soul but he wouldn't take the opposition lightly.
"The real challenge is that we must win," he told a news conference yesterday.
"It is an important game. We need to put great emphasis on a disciplined performance," he said. "My team is entering a new challenge with this game. We wish to succeed in our test and get to AFC Champions League group stage. But for that to happen, we must overcome the next obstacle - and that is Bunyodkor," Lamouchi said.
"The AFC Champions League matches are completely different compared to other tournaments and our team will be facing a difficult task," Lamouchi said yesterday.
"Before every game, we analyze our opponents and study all the tactical aspects of the game. We will fight the same way we fight every game," Lamouchi said. "Our focus has always been towards the development of our team in all aspects," the El Jaish coach said.
El Jaish's Malian import Seydou Keita yesterday said: "We are ready to fight to win this game. We want to win and advance to the next stage. It is a do-or-die game for us. It is the most important match of the season." In another match involving a QSL side, Doha giants Al Sadd today face hosts Estaghlal of Iran at Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira yesterday told a media conference in Tehran: "It will be a tough game against a strong side. This is completely different from our QSL matches. We will be playing in front of a huge crowd, I am sure."
"My players understand the importance of this game. We are ready to give our best," Ferreira said.
"There is a great buzz in the dressing room," he said.
"We want to win and advance to the next stage," he said. When asked about Xavi's presence, the Al Sadd coach said: "Xavi is a great player. He has been talking to the players which always means so much to the team. He has so much experience and is a role model for most young players.
"We know what is required of us. We seek to get our best playing XI on the pitch," the coach said.
"The game could go to extra time and the players are ready for any eventuality," the coach said.
Al Sadd player Hossam Kamal said: "We must fight to win. We are ready, as our coach said. Surely it will be a hard-fought battle. Al Sadd will deliver a memorable performance. We will fight on the pitch for the result we are looking for."
