Marino Pusic dismisses Al-Ahli exit speculation before Al Sadd clash

Al-Ahli coach Marino Pusic says reports that he could be dismissed are not affecting his preparations for Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Sadd.

The Saudi club travel to face the Qatari side in the fourth round of the competition, just days after suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat by Al-Shabab in the Saudi league.

Pusic acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming fixture and recognised the advantage Al Sadd will have playing at home in front of their own supporters.

“Facing Al Sadd will be difficult, and I admit that they are a strong opponent who play on their own ground and in front of their fans. I know that very well,” Pusic said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.

The Dutchman insisted, however, that his approach would be no different from that taken for any other match in the tournament.

“It is a game like any other in the competition, and we must be ready for it,” he added.

Pusic said victory was particularly important to Al-Ahli as they look to collect three points, while stressing that his players would need to remain focused and show respect for Al Sadd and every other team in the Asian competition.

“The win is very important for us so that we can take the three points. We will therefore play with complete focus, keeping in mind our respect for Al Sadd and all the opponents in the Asian tournament,” he said.

Asked about speculation over his position following Friday’s 6-1 loss to Al-Shabab, Pusic said he was not allowing the possibility of leaving the club to dominate his thoughts.

“I do not occupy my mind with the possibility of not being with the team, or with the idea that this match could be my last,” he said.

“I do not pay attention to what is being said. All my focus is on my team and on how we will face Al Sadd, because we have a specific task and must rise to the responsibility, especially as we are going to play a strong team.”

Al-Shabab’s victory repeated a historic six-goal success against Al-Ahli. They won the Saudi league meeting 6-1 in round 12, matching the same scoreline from their 2008 King Cup quarter-final victory over the club.