Algerian Hossam Aouar, Al-Ittihad player, expressed his happiness with the level presented by his team, stressing his confidence in the development of performance, noting that improving offensive effectiveness and the final touch represents the most prominent aspect that the team needs to develop.
Speaking to the media, Aouar said: I was happy with the performance, although many were disappointed after the draw in the last match, but I was confident because I see great things in this team and great development, and I like the way we play.
He added: We can improve at scoring goals, and be better at the final touch, pass, and finishing opportunities, and this is what we lack. In general, I am very happy and proud of the team spirit, the way the coach pushes us, and also our style of play, because I think we played a very good match.
Regarding whether Al-Ittihad had shown a new personality, he said: This personality was already present, as many of the team’s players had previously won the league. Last season was difficult, but it is behind us now, and we have to look forward.
Regarding Doumbia’s appearance in the locker room, Aouar explained: We love this man and we hope he returns, and we certainly need him, but he needs to take his time. With injuries like these, it is important that he returns well and when he is completely ready, and God willing, he will return.
Aouar praised his colleague Reus after his first participation, saying: He is a very good player, and this was his first match. We are very happy to have him with us, and I think he will help the team a lot.
Aouar concluded his speech by sending a message to Al-Ittihad fans: I am very happy to see such a large number of fans in the stadium, and I hope they will attend again in the next match, because we need them in order to give our best.
German Jens Finkengeist, Al-Ittihad's coach, expressed his pride in what his team did in beating Al-Nasr 2-1, noting that the tactical and mental development of the players was clearly evident during the confrontation.
Vissing said in the press conference after the match: We knew the difficulty of the confrontation, and when you play at home you only want victory. In the first 35 minutes, we played a great match. We scored two goals and could have scored more, before Al-Nasr succeeded in reducing the gap during the first half.
He added: The atmosphere in the stadium was very wonderful, and I am extremely proud of my team.
Regarding the difference between Al-Ittihad’s performance against Al-Nasr and its match against Al-Qadisiyah, he said: Today’s match is different, and since the Al-Qadisiyah match we have developed a lot on the tactical and mental levels. What I saw today in terms of tactical discipline and spirit, and what the players applied on the field, was wonderful.
The Al-Ittihad coach explained that the switch to playing with five defenders came to reduce the danger of Al-Nasr crosses. He said: We tried to control the team through substitutions, and we played with five players at the back to reduce the danger of crosses. As for Richard, he only had one training session, so it was difficult to involve him.
In response to Al-Nasr coach Ange Postecoglou’s statement that only one team was creating chances after the first 15 minutes, which was Al-Nassr, Vissing said: I want to make sure of that first. Everyone saw what we did, and we were unsuccessful in a number of counterattacks that we made, and what we presented on the field was clear and everyone could see it.
Vissing stressed the importance of teamwork in his team’s performance, saying: In modern football, there is no longer a striker whose role is limited to attacking only, or a defender whose role is limited to defense; Everyone defends and everyone contributes to scoring. This is what we implemented today, and the evidence is what Youssef Al-Nusairi did in the last minutes when he returned to support the defense.
Serbian Predrag Rajkovic, Al-Ittihad's goalkeeper, confirmed that his team deserved to beat Al-Nasr 2-1, noting that the spirit and combativeness shown by the players represents the character that Al-Ittihad should have.
Speaking to the media after the match, Rajkovic said: It was a crazy match. From the beginning, we entered with this spirit, and in the end I think we deserved the victory, and this victory will give us a lot of motivation to continue moving in this way.
Regarding whether the confrontation showed a new face for the union, he said: This is the form in which the union should appear. Spirit and fight for your teammates, for the fans and for the club. This way, with this style of play, you can win matches.
Regarding his condition after the injury he recently suffered, Rajkovic reassured Al-Ittihad fans, stressing that he is in good condition and ready to participate.
