Al Ahli Saudi ready for Sundowns challenge as Bosic and Demiral dismiss pressure concerns

Al Ahli Saudi say they are prepared for one of their biggest matches after manager Marino Bosic and Turkey defender Merih Demiral insisted they will not be intimidated by Sundowns’ home advantage.

The Asian champions face African champions Sundowns on Saturday, with the match bringing together two sides accustomed to the demands of major fixtures. Al Ahli Saudi must also cope with playing in South Africa, in front of the home crowd.

Bosic acknowledged the quality of the opposition but said his team had the confidence and preparation required to compete.

“We are facing a very strong opponent, and everyone knows that,” the Al Ahli Saudi manager told the media. “We have great respect for them; they are the African champions and we are the Asian champions. Therefore, we are also ready for this match.”

His comments reflected a measured approach to the contest. Al Ahli Saudi recognise Sundowns’ strength and experience, but do not want respect for their opponents to become hesitation or fear.

The match also offers the Saudi club an opportunity to make an impression against another continental champion. Bosic believes the support expected from Al Ahli Saudi fans, despite the game being played in another country, can give his side an important lift.

“It is always great to know that your fans will come to an unfamiliar stadium in another country to support you,” he said. “That is wonderful. As I said, finals are always special and have their own atmosphere and different dynamics. They certainly represent a great opportunity for us to achieve something special.”

Demiral confident in Al Ahli Saudi experience

Demiral focused on the experience within the Al Ahli Saudi squad, believing it can help the team deal with the difficult conditions expected against Sundowns.

“We know it will be a difficult match, but we have many experienced players,” the defender said. “Over the past few years, we have played many finals against very strong teams, so we understand that tomorrow’s match will be difficult, but we are ready for it.”

The Turkey international also played down the potential impact of Sundowns’ supporters. He said Al Ahli Saudi players were used to performing under intense crowd pressure and would not be encountering an unfamiliar atmosphere.

“I do not think it will affect us,” Demiral added. “We are used to playing in front of our fans, who create a lot of noise and pressure in the stands, so we are accustomed to these kinds of situations.”

The contrasting emphasis from Bosic and Demiral underlines Al Ahli Saudi’s preparations. The manager has stressed the need to respect Sundowns while maintaining belief, while Demiral has pointed to the squad’s experience of major matches as a source of confidence before Saturday’s meeting.