New Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has spoken about his team's readiness as they gear up for their opening match against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Red Devils, who find themselves in Group A alongside Inter Miami, FC Porto, and Brazilian giants Palmeiras, departed for the United States on Wednesday.
READ | Rulani on Zamalek links: 'I would not compete with Pitso'
Riveiro, who recently joined the Egyptian Premier League champions from South African side Orlando Pirates, has been tasked with guiding the team through a strong showing in this prestigious tournament.
The Spanish tactician faces an immediate test of his credentials, as Al Ahly kicks off their campaign against Messi’s star-studded Inter Miami, an encounter that comes with high expectations from the club’s management and supporters.
Al Ahly are no strangers to this competition, having made nine previous appearances, thanks to their dominant record in African football, including 12 CAF Champions League titles.
With just a week remaining before their high-stakes showdown with Miami, Riveiro acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete fiercely against any opponent.
"We are proud to be here and to participate in the first edition of the Club World Cup under its new format. Representing Al Ahly, a club with a rich history and continental titles, in this global event is a great honor and a responsibility that we bear with pride," Riveiro said, per Almasryalyoum.com.
"We have been preparing intensively and in an organized manner since the moment we arrived in the United States. We were keen to arrive well in advance of the start of the competition to acclimatize to the time and climate. We have already begun our preparations for the first match, the importance of which we are fully aware.
"We'll be facing a strong team with a group of big stars who don't need much introduction to their football achievements. Inter Miami is a new team in terms of its formation, but it has the same ambition to compete, win, and qualify, and we're well aware that the match will be strong and competitive.
READ | CAF giants 'to begin talks' with Tau after Qatar exit
"We will strive to showcase Al Ahly's character on the field. We are a major club with a rich tradition and a deep-rooted culture that is always linked to championships and achieving victories," added the Vigo native.
"We have a distinguished group of players with extensive experience participating in such tournaments, coupled with a strong motivation to give their all to represent the club in the best possible way. The technical staff is working with the players at all technical, physical, and mental levels to achieve the highest levels of readiness."
