Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal find themselves back in the AFC Champions League final three years after their 2014 heartbreak against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Seven players from the squad that lost 0-1 in Sydney were then held to a goalless draw at King Fahd International Stadium, are back for another attempt to lift the continent’s most coveted club trophy.
But one man who will not be there is coach Laurentiu Reghecampf who lost his position on Al Hilal dugout after that ill-fated 2014 campaign.
The Romanian believes the current Al Hilal side have what it takes to go one further and lift the 2017 AFC Champions League trophy when they face Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday.
“There are a number of players who have the experience of playing the final from 2014. We had a wonderful group of players; I can’t speak highly enough of them. The foreign players they have now are excellent and can help them win the final.”
Reghecampf returned to Asian football at the start of the season, taking over UAE side Al Wahda, and despite the disappointment of his dismissal after the 2014 final, he retains fond memories from his time in Riyadh.
“I remember all the people I worked with; Club President Abdulrahman bin Musaad, the players and the staff. They were great times and will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Al Hilal fans were unbelievable. They were always behind the club and supported us a lot.”
Discussing the upcoming final, Reghecampf insisted individual skills will not be the answer against Urawa, calling for Al Hilal players to come together and play as a group to get the result.
“Al Hilal have a very good squad. As a team, when you reach the final of such a competition, that means everyone has great abilities, the players and the coaching staff. But in a match like this, a single player cannot be a game-changer. Everyone needs to play very well as a unit.
“In football, everything is possible, and I am sure the players have the desire to win. I saw that desire when I was coaching Al Hilal. I am very happy that they reached the final again and I hope they win.
The 42-year-old believes the woes of 2014 will fire-up the players as they look to finally get their hands on the AFC Champions League trophy that eluded them for 17 years, having won the 1999-2000 Asian Club Championship.
“The pressure will be massive with over 60,000 fans at King Fahd Stadium. Al Hilal have reached the final and lost but this will work as an extra motivation for the players to win on Saturday.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com