November 20, 2024
Watan Al-Youm: Swiss Marcel Kohler, the coach of Al-Ahly of Egypt, confirmed the readiness of his team for the confrontations locally and continentally, adding that he aims to face Real Madrid of Spain in the final of the Intercontinental Football Confederations Cup.
Kohler revealed in an interview with the club’s official platform on Tuesday that the team started their journey this season with difficult games, such as the two games against Zamalek in the local and African Super Cup, as well as two games against Gormahia of Kenya in Africa. The Champions League, and two difficult games in the league championship.
He said: We apologized for finishing the Egypt Cup last season, and the rest period before the start of the season was not enough, because any team in the world needs a preparation period of 5 to 6 weeks, which is a factor of the -important. .
The Swiss coach continued: We have not yet reached the level we want, but through my presence and working with Al-Ahly over two seasons, I learned to deal with all circumstances and achieve the best results .
Kohler expressed that he always loves to win and tries his best to achieve it in every game, which is his nature, whether as a former player or a current coach, and that the reasons are generally to win within Al-Ahly to win championships, and this is a strong motivation for the players to continue to win and win more titles.
Kohler spoke of the Club Intercontinental Confederations Cup, with the expected clash in the semi-finals between Al-Ahly and the winner of the match between Pachuca and the Libertadores Cup champion, stating that taking part in the competition is a great opportunity to face the best. teams around the world, and that the various motivations in the competition are such a confrontation, and the atmosphere as well, as happened during the Al Ain-UAE match at the Cairo Stadium, which saw a large crowd present, and the stadium was full of fans, which is a source of terror for any competitor.
The Al-Ahly coach continued: We don’t know how good the team we will face in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup for Clubs, but in general our goal is to win and reach the final to meet Real Madrid of Spain. .
Kohler continued: I actively prepare for the games by studying the opposition and identifying its strengths and weaknesses No team in the world is without weak points, and this is what we work to exploit through the preparation sessions which takes place with the players and support staff.
Marcel Kohler concluded his remarks by saying: We try to bring the players to the highest level of concentration in every game, especially in confrontations with the big teams, which is considered to be a decisive game in the history of every player, knowing that is my goal. always win and for the players to implement the way to play and to implement the instructions in the game, and so far they are doing it great.
It is worth noting that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that the final match of the Confederations Cup will take place on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha, which hosted the final match of the World Cup. last. in 2022, which ended when Argentina beat France on penalties after they tied 3-3 at both Original and extra time.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Marcel Kohler, Coach of Al-Ahly of Egypt
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Marcel. It’s an exciting time for Al-Ahly as you gear up for the Confederations Cup. You’ve made it clear that facing Real Madrid is part of your aspirations. Can you share what that matchup would mean for you and your team?
Marcel Kohler: Thank you for having me. Facing a team like Real Madrid would be a monumental moment for us. Not only would it be a great challenge, but it would also represent an opportunity to showcase the talent in African football on an international stage. It’s about more than just the match; it’s about pride and proving ourselves among the best.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned your team’s readiness for both local and continental challenges. How has your approach changed this season compared to previous ones?
Marcel Kohler: This season has been unique, starting with some very tough fixtures, such as those against Zamalek and Gormahia. We’ve had to adapt quickly and refine our strategies. I believe that tight competition at the beginning of the season can stimulate growth in the team. While we are still not at our desired level, each game is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Time.news Editor: You pointed out that the rest period before the season felt insufficient. How crucial is the preparation period for a team aiming for championships?
Marcel Kohler: A sufficient preparation period is absolutely critical. Generally, teams require 5 to 6 weeks to fully prepare. It ensures that players are in optimal physical condition and mentally ready for the season’s challenges. This is especially important when you aim for success in various competitions.
Time.news Editor: You’ve cultivated a winning mentality within the squad. What do you believe drives this ambition within your players?
Marcel Kohler: The tradition of victory at Al-Ahly drives this ambition. Our club is known for winning titles, and that creates a culture where players are motivated to continue that legacy. As a coach, I instill this desire to win with every training session and match, encouraging them to constantly strive for excellence regardless of the challenges we face.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the Intercontinental Football Confederations Cup?
Marcel Kohler: I see this tournament as a fantastic opportunity. Competing against some of the best teams in the world will not only excite our players but also enhance our skills and experience. We are particularly looking forward to the semi-finals against the winner of Pachuca versus the Libertadores champion. Each match like this is an opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially bring back glory to Al-Ahly.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, how do you maintain the team’s morale and focus during such demanding periods?
Marcel Kohler: Communication and trust are key. I ensure that players understand their roles and feel valued within the team. Cultivating a positive atmosphere and fostering teamwork is essential. I focus on celebrating small victories, which helps keep the spirits high and encourages continuous effort, especially during tough times.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Marcel. It’s clear that your vision for Al-Ahly is ambitious yet grounded in a deep understanding of the game. We wish you and the team the best of luck in the upcoming matches!
Marcel Kohler: Thank you for your kind words. We’re dedicated to making our fans proud and achieving great things this season!