Al Ahly boss reveals one major factor that makes Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 'more dangerous' ahead of Club World Cup opener
Al Ahly boss Jose Riveiro believes that his side's opening game in the FIFA Club World Cup against Inter Miami would be very competitive. The Egyptian giants will face Lionel Messi's side at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, June 14.
Ahead of the tournament opener, the Spanish tactician pointed out that the Herons have experienced players such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and others, who have played European football together for several years. Having enjoyed illustrious careers in their prime, the players still haven't lost their flair.
Riveiro stated that their experience will help the Herons elevate the game and find solutions. He told Spanish outlet AS:
"It is a good team with individualities that there is not much to explain about. Then everyone can think what they want about the time of their careers they are in. But I have seen them space they will find solutions that are difficult to counter. They don't have the races they have because they don't like winning."
Riveiro also claimed that former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets would be an equally big threat for the Egyptian giants as Lionel Messi in the Club World Cup opener. He also named former La Blaugrana stars Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez as players who could cause significant problems for Al Ahly.
"They are still very competitive, and it will be the opening match, with many people behind that match, something that makes them even more dangerous. Not only Messi, you see Busquets play and you see the player he was, the dignity he plays with and how he makes the team together," he said.
"You can see the player who went. Jordi Alba , Luis Suarez... it's not a joke. When those people get together in the field and meet, things happen there," he added.
Jose Riveiro joined the Egyptian giants earlier this month, and his first challenge has been the Club World Cup. Al Ahly are drawn in Group A alongside Inter Miami, FC Porto and Palmeiras.
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano talks about facing Al Ahly
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has claimed that his team is confident ahead of the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, they are not underestimating their first opponents, Al Ahly.
The Herons will host the Egyptian champions at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday in the Club World Cup opener. After losing 3-0 to Orlando City in May, Inter Miami are currently on a three-match unbeaten run before they face Al Ahly.
However, Javier Mascherano acknowledged the competition at the Club World Cup, and pointed out that they can't call the Egyptian side weak. He said (via Soccer Laduma):
"This victory shows us that if we stay brave and composed, we can compete with any team, especially in MLS."
"But the Club World Cup is a different level. The competition is much tougher, and I must be realistic, including Al Ahly. People may think they're a weaker opponent, but I'm telling you, they're not. Far from it. We'll compete, stay true to ourselves, and not fear mistakes. We have to keep pushing forward," he added.
Lionel Messi, who won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters' Shield trophy with Herons, would look forward to guiding his side to more success at the club tournament.