We expect a balanced match, asserts Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus

Al Hilal have not lost a single game in this season’s ACL

The AFC Champions League’s caravan has reached the city of dreams and will see Mumbai City FC host Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal at the DY Patil Stadium come Monday. This will be the Islanders second home game of the ACL this season.

The Saudi Arabian side defeated Mumbai City FC 6-0 in the reverse fixture last month. They will also miss the services of their star forward Neymar Jr who’s out due to a long term injury. Ahead of the clash, Al Hilal’s head coach Jorge Jesus and player Malcom addressed the media.

Thoughts ahead of the game 

The head coach shared his thoughts ahead of the game. He said that he’s very happy to come to India and it will be a tough game against Mumbai City FC.

“We want to share our happiness then we will be playing in India and also to see the developing country and football also being part of this empathy. And it’s a pleasure for us to be here. Yes, we know the opponent to be a quality team. A team that still couldn’t show the results, but we still know that we will face a beautiful (team) tomorrow and we are ready for that,” he asserted.

Last game against Mumbai City FC

As mentioned earlier, Al-Hilal won the last game by a very good margin. The head coach was asked if the upcoming game will also be the same as the previous one. He said that it will not be the same as Mumbai will play in front of their fans, but his side will be well prepared for it.

“For sure it is not going to be the same. Because, of course our opponent plays in a much better way knowing that they’re going to be among their fans. So we expect a balanced match. And we have also prepared ourselves for that. We will always play as we always used to play for all the matches that we participate, it’s to try to win and tomorrow the main objective is the three points that will keep us ahead in the group,” he said.

Neymar’s absence

There was a lot of enthusiasm and joy among the fans to watch Neymar play in front of their eyes, but the Brazilian was ruled out during the last international window. Speaking about his absence, the head coach said that he also wanted Neymar to come to India because it would give the youth footballers a chance to learn from him.

“We also wanted Neymar to have a chance to visit India. It could have been a very perfect opportunity for all the youth footballers in India also to have had the chance to watch him with their eyes. 

He also added that, “Now that he’s out, our team is adapting to it and we played a lot of games without his presence. He couldn’t visit a very potential country in football. So as much as we miss him I think also, India was expecting or wanting to see him as well,”

Malcolm’s comments 

Thoughts on Mumbai CIty FC

The Brazilian forward shared his thoughts on the Islanders and said that they are a very organised team and his side will respect them and also play for their objectives.

“I’m happy to be here and to explore a new country, a new culture and a growing football culture as well. We know about our opponent, they are very organised and also play well. We will show respect to the opponent and will achieve our objectives as well at the same time. So, before thinking of the objectives, yes, we have to respect the opponent and also fight and play for our objectives,”

Footballing culture in Saudi Arabia

Speaking about the footballing culture in Saudi Arabia, Malcom said, “My experience in Saudi Arabia has been totally different from all my previous experiences. I am in a country where they live and breathe and are so passionate about football. Every day is a more positive surprise for me. I’m very happy today with my colleagues, with the reception that I had from everybody from everyone,

He also mentioned that he wants to play a key role in his team’s achievements.

“I also want to become a very influential member, in achievements. So that’s from my side. I’m working hard and I’m doing everything that I can to be part of also helping the club to make achievements,” he quipped.

Experience in India

When asked about his experience in India, the forward said that he’s very surprised to see the culture here and it is a very nice experience for him.

“I’m very surprised with the culture here. I would like to make it a very nice experience for me to do my job which is to do all the best to win tomorrow and at the same time, to stay with the memories of India,” he concluded.

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