Fathi Al-Jabali: This tournament represents a new beginning for us and we aim to win in our first appearance

Less than 24 hours before starting their journey in the AFC Champions League, Al Quwa Al Jawiya's Tunisian coach Fathi Jbali and the team's goalkeeper Mohamed Saleh spoke in unison: it is time to close the chapter on the league and start anew in the continental competition.

Al-Suqoor will visit Neftchi Fergana in Uzbekistan on Monday, September 14, at the Independence Stadium, for the opening stage of the league. They know that a positive result could be the key to turning the season around.

The Tunisian coach was clear in the press conference ahead of the match.

Al-Jabali said: "Our results in the league have not been at the level of our ambitions, and unfortunately, we have not achieved what we were aiming for."

However, the coach added a message of optimism: "Tomorrow we will approach the match differently, as it is a new competition and we aim to achieve a positive result that will please our fans."

Regarding the absences, the coach admitted that there are some injuries within the team, but he stressed that the alternatives are ready.

"We have some injuries within the squad, but we have faith in the players available, and all the players are close in level, and we trust their ability to deliver their best," he expressed.

Al-Jabali is betting on two factors: the first is that Asian matches have a special character that relieves players from the pressure of the league, and the second is that the team has a lineup capable of competing with any opponent when they play with the spirit of the blue shirt.

Mohamed Saleh, the Falcons' goalkeeper, has delivered a direct message to the fans.

Saleh has acknowledged the team's situation domestically: "We have played 7 rounds in the Iraqi league and our results are unsatisfactory, but as players, we will strive to improve the situation."

He added: "The beginning of improving our results will be from the Asian Elite Championship."

The goalkeeper refused to describe what the club is going through as a crisis, considering it a natural occurrence in football.

"A big club like Al Quwa Al Jawiya does not go through difficult circumstances but rather a natural decline in results," he said.

Saleh concluded his remarks by emphasizing the players' awareness of the magnitude of their responsibility.

"The players are aware of the pressure from the fans and also know that coming back in big matches and international tournaments is the most precious gift they can give to these loyal supporters."

The match tomorrow is at 4:45 PM Baghdad time. 90 minutes could restore Al Quwa Al Jawiya's prestige or complicate the start of the season further.