Rodgers proud of Qadsiah's continued presence in AFC Champions League Elite as Vitoria declares Al-Wasl ready
Qadsiah coach Brendan Rodgers says the club is proud to compete in the AFC Champions League Elite, while Al-Wasl's Rui Vitoria vows readiness for their clash.
Key Takeaways
AIQadsiah head coach Brendan Rodgers has expressed his pride in the team’s continued presence in the AFC Champions League Elite, noting that the squad delivered an outstanding performance last season and maintained strong teamwork to reach this stage. He said the club is eager to make its mark on Asian football.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday’s opening group stage match against UAE side Al-Wasl, Rodgers said: “I am happy for the club’s owners, as qualifying for this competition was once a dream and today it has become a reality.”
He added: “Tomorrow’s match comes after a tough fixture schedule, but I respect what the players have shown at the start of this season, and we will approach the game with great ambition.”
Qadsiah captain Nacho said the team was newly promoted when he joined the project, with ambitions to reach the top competitions. He explained that the club is now competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, adding: “This tournament is special for me, as I have never played in it before.”
On the other side, Al-Wasl head coach Rui Vitoria confirmed his team is ready to face Qadsiah, noting that neither side has had much time to prepare, but Al-Wasl’s goal is to seek victory in every match.
Vitoria expressed his happiness at returning to Saudi stadiums, recalling his previous experience with Al-Nassr. He noted that the weather and humidity in the Eastern Province are similar to conditions in the UAE, and that his team’s recent run of matches has helped them adapt physically.
The Al-Wasl coach described Qadsiah as a strong and challenging opponent with high quality, while also emphasizing that his own squad has excellent options. He said Al-Wasl would approach the game with great respect for their rivals.
Vitoria downplayed the impact of Qadsiah’s busy match schedule this month on their physical condition, suggesting that playing more games could actually improve the team’s cohesion.