Al Nahda, Al Shabab ready for Gulf CL second leg match

MUSCAT: A press conference was held on Monday evening at Al Seeb Club ahead of the second leg match of the Gulf Clubs Championship, which will see Oman’s Al Nahda Club face Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the Seeb Stadium. The first leg ended in a draw, adding further importance and intensity to the return encounter.
The press conference was attended by the head coaches of both teams, with both sides confirming their full technical and physical readiness for what is expected to be a decisive and highly competitive clash.
Al Shabab head coach Imanol Alguacil stressed that his team is well prepared to cope with the anticipated strong home support at the Seeb Stadium, noting that his players are accustomed to performing under pressure.

“We respect the Omani fans and know they will strongly support Al Nahda, but our players are used to playing in front of large crowds and under pressure. We aim to turn that pressure into a positive factor on the pitch,” Alguacil said.
Speaking about away matches in Gulf competitions, he said: “Playing away in Gulf tournaments is different from domestic competitions in terms of atmosphere, travel and the nature of the contest. However, we approach these matches with the same level of focus and tactical discipline, always aiming for a balanced performance and a positive result.”

HIGH MORALE
On the other hand, Andrea Jasmins, head coach of Al Nahda, confirmed that his team will enter the second leg with high morale, emphasising that preparations have gone well following the first leg draw.
Regarding possible tactical changes, Jasmins said: “There will be no major changes compared to previous matches, but we have worked on some tactical details that could make the difference in a match of this magnitude.”

Commenting on the recent domestic league defeat against Bahla, the Al Nahda coach explained that the team has moved on from that result, stating: “The league defeat is behind us now. The players are fully aware of the importance of this match. Gulf competitions have their own character, and we are mentally and technically ready.”
The match, scheduled for Tuesday, is expected to attract a large crowd at the Seeb Stadium, as Al Nahda look to capitalise on home advantage, while Al Shabab aim to maintain their strong presence and advance further in the Gulf Clubs Championship.