Al-Ahli reaching back-to-back ACL finals is ‘incredible,’ says Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez says Al-Ahli have achieved “something incredible” in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals. (Supplied)

Japanese Go Kuroda, the head coach of FC Machida Zelvia said: “We want to settle the match early.” (Supplied)

• ‘I am very happy to be in the final again, for 2 consecutive years, on our home ground,’ says 35-year-old
• Al-Ahli aiming to become first club to win consecutive titles since 2005

JEDDAH: Riyad Mahrez says Al-Ahli have achieved something “incredible” in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals, but warned his side not to underestimate their opponents — Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia — in the Jeddah showdown on Saturday.
Mahrez, 35, told a press conference in Jeddah on the eve of the match: “I am very happy to be in the final again, for two consecutive years, on our home ground and in front of our fans. We are really looking forward to the match.
“It’s important for everyone not to take it for granted, because reaching the AFC Champions League final two years in a row is incredible. But in the end, you have to play the game … and you have to win it. We will do everything we can to achieve that.”
The clash, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, is expected to be a sell-out as Al-Ahli attempt to retain the title they won at the same venue last year. By contrast, FC Machida Zelvia are seeking to complete a fairy tale run to lift the trophy in their first appearance in the competition.
Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli’s head coach, said: “So far it looks quite good that the majority of the players are on board, mentally and physically fit.”
Jaissle is aiming to become the first coach to win back-to-back titles in the AFC Champions League era, and added: “This is a special game and everyone wants to be involved. Everyone is trying … to be in the best physical and mental shape. This is what we expect from the players.”
Al-Ahli are aiming to become the first club to win consecutive titles since 2005 when Al-Ittihad claimed the second of their two trophies.
Go Kuroda, the head coach of FC Machida Zelvia, said: “We want to settle the match early, but if it goes to penalties we are a team experienced in that, and we can win the title that way.”
He added: “We came to Jeddah to win the title, but we respect our opponents, who possess strong players like Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie.
“We are ready for this match, and our goal is to return to Japan with the Asian title, but this will require a lot of effort.”