Al Ahly are among the four teams that will represent Africa in the Fifa Club World Cup to be played in the United States from June 14 to July 13.
Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisian heavyweights Esperance, and Botola Pro League outfit Wydad Casablanca are the other teams from the continent that will be dining with the big boys.
The Red Devils are under the new coach Jose Riveiro, who took over a couple of weeks ago following Jose Peseiro's sacking.
‘We will be playing against strong teams'
The Egyptian Premier League champions are in Group A alongside Brazilian side Palmeiras, Porto from Portugal, and Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in the United States. It explains why the former Orlando Pirates tactician is not anticipating an easy outing.
I'm very excited and happy to be here; we are going to represent our club, our football, and our fans, and we're fully aware of the responsibility we have to perform well in the Club World Cup,” the Spaniard opened up to the media.
“We will be playing against very strong teams, and we arrived well in advance of the tournament to be able to adapt well, prepare properly, and ensure our readiness.”
‘You have to be disciplined in front of Messi'
The first assignment for Al Ahly will be against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on June 14, and Riveiro is not anticipating an easy outing against the Argentina legend.
“I don't think it's possible to prepare to face Messi; you just have to try to be disciplined in front of him. There will be moments when we need to be more in control of the ball, even before the ball reaches Messi.
“Once the ball reaches Messi, he'll be as usual. A player who requires special marking, and I think he's been used to that kind of marking throughout his career, but he's part of a good collective team, with a good coach, so we'll be ready, we'll be well prepared, and we'll see what happens,” Riveiro concluded.
