Riyadh: Al Hilal playmaker Mohammed Al Shalhoub has stressed that his team need to be patient when they face Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final on Saturday.
Al Hilal are aiming to win their first title in the competition since the introduction of the new system in the 2002-2003 season and Al Shalboub believes the title is within reach.
"As this is the final stage of the competition, we are very optimistic but we will face a strong team," Al Shalhoub said in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com.
"Urawa play very strongly at home, and when they play away they play smart, so I think this match needs patience, and we hope we can win".
Al Shalhoub said he has no doubt that Urawa Reds will be at the top of their game, despite the J-League being in the final stages of its season. Al Hilal, meanwhile, are just at the midway point of their domestic season.
"We have been following Urawa in their domestic league, and we noticed that they sacrificed their J-League campaign for the AFC Champions League. They rested key players in the domestic competition, so that they can be at their top for the continental matches.
"I expect they will be at their top level in terms of fitness, and they will be looking to end the season with a title."
At the age of 36, some fans may be thinking that Al Shalhoub will be looking to end his career with the Champions League title, but the player stressed that he will continue playing with Al Hilal as long as he can contribute to the team.
"I always say that I live for the moment, I always test myself, and I will only stop playing when I feel that I can't give more for the team."
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com