Vicente Moreno, head coach of Al Rayyan, emphasized the team’s readiness to face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Taawoun in the second round of the AFC Champions League Two. Speaking during the pre-match press conference, he said: “It is true that Al-Taawoun is going through a potentially difficult phase with a tough start, but we know they are a very good team with a solid coach. Tomorrow’s match will be challenging, but we must always focus on ourselves and our team; every match is a new, different, and difficult test.”
He added: “It will be a very tough game; the opponent is a good team with quality players, and they have an excellent coach as well. I played against them several years ago when I was here with Al-Shabab. However, I am confident that my team will deliver a strong performance, and God willing, we will secure all three points.”
Moreno noted that all players are available for tomorrow’s match, pointing out that the team faces a packed schedule this month, which offers the opportunity for squad rotation.
He continued: “We have great ambitions in all competitions, as Al Rayyan is a big club. Of course, our current focus is on the league and the AFC Champions League Two, and we also have the Amir Cup and other domestic competitions in Qatar. We enter every match and competition aiming to compete and go as far as possible. We know the tournament will be very tough, but our ambition is to win it, God willing.”
Regarding Al Rayyan leading the league standings in contrast to Al-Taawoun’s struggles in the Saudi League, he remarked: “We certainly have immense respect for Al-Taawoun and know they are a good side. It is true they didn’t start this season in the best way, but the match will still be difficult, and I have full confidence in my team. They recently changed their coach and brought in a new one, so to be honest, we don’t know whether they will play with a 5-man or 4-man defense tomorrow, but we will be prepared with all tactical solutions. Naturally, I aim for us to perform even better tomorrow, and we will see how Al-Taawoun approaches the game.”