Simone Inzaghi, the Italian manager of Saudi side Al-Hilal, spoke ahead of Tuesday’s round-of-16 AFC Champions League clash with Qatari outfit Al-Sadd.
Inzaghi said: “Tomorrow’s match is important and difficult. I know Al Sadd well and I know their manager; they have a strong, well-organised team, and we must approach the match with great focus from start to finish.”
On the injury front, he added: “I won’t go into specifics, but Keno and Malcom picked up unexpected bruises, not related to fatigue. Still, we have quality players ready to step in.”
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He added, “It’s a one-off game with no margin for error, so our focus must be total; luck also plays a role in such decisive encounters.”
On facing Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini, he added: “He is a friend before he is a coach. I have worked with him and respect him greatly. He is doing well with Al Sadd, but on the pitch we will both be going for victory.”
He concluded: “Al Sadd are a strong side and deserve respect. Knockout matches are completely different from the group stage, so we must be prepared for every detail.”