Defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC have expressed respect for Southeast Asian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim FC ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final clash in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference in Jeddah, head coach Matthias Jaissle said his squad is fully focused and prepared for a difficult encounter against the Malaysian champions, emphasizing the importance of recovery and tactical preparation following their exhausting Round of 16 battle.
Al Ahli progressed to the last eight after a demanding 120-minute match in the previous round, and Jaissle admitted that managing player recovery has been the priority in the build-up to the quarter-final.
“We are really excited to play again here in Jeddah. It’s something special for us, and this competition suits our team very well,” said Jaissle.
“When you play in a tournament like this, it is all about regeneration after the match. Our focus over the last couple of days has been helping the players recover physically and mentally. Today we are concentrating more on the tactical approach to beat our opponent tomorrow.”
Jaissle also acknowledged the strengths of Johor Darul Ta’zim, describing the Malaysian club as a disciplined and well-organised side that will be difficult to break down.
“They are a very compact team, extremely disciplined and they show great team spirit. They fight for every ball and are very strong in duels,” he explained.
“They probably will not press us very high. Instead, they prefer to stay organised and defend in their own half. That makes them difficult to play against, because with that discipline it is not easy to score.”
The German tactician added that his side must remain alert to JDT’s counter-attacking transitions.
“We need to maintain our structure and shape to avoid dangerous transition moments from them.”
Meanwhile, Al Ahli defender Roger Ibañez stressed that the squad is determined to defend their continental crown, but insisted the team is focused only on the immediate challenge.
“Last year we became champions of Asia, but that was last year,” said Ibañez.
“Now we are thinking about this game. To become champions again, we must win this match and the next two. Our mentality is to go step by step and be stronger on the pitch.”
The clash between Al Ahli and Johor Darul Ta’zim promises to be one of the most intriguing quarter-final ties in the tournament, with the Saudi giants aiming to maintain their title defence while the Malaysian champions seek another historic milestone in Asian football.
With both sides carrying strong ambitions, the encounter in Jeddah could hinge on fine tactical details and moments of individual brilliance as they battle for a place in the semi-finals of Asia’s premier club competition.
Credit Photo : AFC
