Crespo: Al Hilal is strong and deserved the title last edition

Argentine Hernan Crespo, coach of Al Ain, UAE, confirmed that facing Al Hilal Saudi Arabia in the AFC Champions League for the Elite will be very difficult.

Crespo said in his statements at the introductory press conference for the match: “We are ready to face Al Hilal, and it is nothing new if we say that our opponent is the best in the continent of Asia.”

He added: “At Al Hilal’s level, I think it also deserved to win the last edition of the Asian title, and now its ranks have become stronger with the presence of Mitrovic and Leonardo.”

He continued: “We know Al Hilal well, and we realize that it is the closest to the title this season, but we also have confidence in ourselves and our capabilities and we will defend our slogan with full force.”

The Al Ain coach continued: “Our fans always make the difference. In these confrontations, we must show up with our appropriate strategy and tactics.”

He concluded: “Al-Hilal team invested a lot of money to achieve the championship, and regardless of the result of the match, we must qualify. We are capable of winning again tomorrow.”