AL Ain is a powerful and prestiguous team, and we have no absences in our squad.. Alfred Schreuder: Motivated for the start of our journey in the AFC Champions League from Tashkent
We have been keen on analyzing Bahktakor’s performance in the last three matches and we understand what is required of us in tomorrow’s match
Alfred Schreuder, the Dutch head coach of Al Ain, expressed his happiness about his team’s participation in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, stating: “Tomorrow, we will start our journey with a match against Bahktakor. We are well aware that our mission will not be easy against a good team with extensive experience in the AFC Champions League. However, Al Ain is a strong and large team, and we are motivated for the start of our continental journey against Bahktakor, which is considered one of the best clubs in the Uzbek league. We have analyzed their performance in the last three league matches and we understand well what is required of us to return to the UAE with a strong result.”
In response to a question about possible absences in his team’s squad, especially since Al Ain has more than ten foreign players, he said: “We are definitely fully aware of the regulations of the AFC Champions League competition, and we understand well which players we will field in tomorrow’s match. We have no absences in our team’s squad as we have come to Uzbekistan with a complete squad. We respect the ambitions of our competitor, who is considered one of the best clubs in the Uzbek league, as I mentioned to you.”
When asked if he felt any differences in the technical aspects of the Champions League, especially since he came to Al Ain from Barcelona, he said: “Honestly, so far, I haven’t felt any differences. I work with a professional club that has clear goals, a large fan base, and top-level facilities. Naturally, I don’t prefer comparisons between clubs and leagues because here you find exceptional players and top-level stadiums, with a large fan base supporting the clubs.”
Regarding his visit to Uzbekistan, he said: “Honestly, this is the first time I have visited Uzbekistan and Tashkent in particular, and the reality I have experienced is that I am visiting a wonderful country and a truly beautiful city, and its people are hospitable.”
