Houssem Aouar says Al-Ittihad can make a statement after AFC Champions League Elite qualification

Houssem Aouar says Al-Ittihad have the confidence and focus to produce a “remarkable season” after securing their place in the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite with a 4-1 win over Al Jazira.

The Saudi club overcame their Emirati opponents in Tuesday’s preliminary-round tie at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, earning the result they needed to progress to the main phase of the competition.

“We are extremely happy because our objective was to play in the AFC Champions League Elite, and we have qualified for the league stage,” Al-Ittihad midfielder Aouar told Abu Dhabi Sports Channels after the match.

The Algeria international acknowledged that the victory had not been straightforward, with both the opposition and the conditions presenting difficulties.

“It was not easy. To be honest, the opponent was difficult, and the weather was not good, which did not help us,” he said. “But we had to adapt, and we did that very well.”

Aouar said the team could now look ahead with greater optimism as they prepare for the new campaign under a new manager and with a different approach.

“Now we are happy because we will play where we should be, and we are looking forward to having a remarkable season,” he added.

Al-Ittihad endured a disappointing previous campaign, but Aouar believes the squad must draw the right lessons from it before moving on.

“Of course, we were not happy with what happened last season, but the past is over. We have to forget it and understand how it happened,” he said.

“Now we have a new coach and a new methodology. We all have to be together, and the training camp was very good.”

Aouar also revealed that he had only completed 10 days of preparation for the new season, meaning Tuesday’s match was effectively part of his own build-up.

“For me, I had only 10 days of preparation for the new season, and that is difficult,” he said. “Even the match against Al Jazira was like a preparation game for me because I played only 45 minutes during pre-season.”

The midfielder praised the work done by the squad during their overseas camp in Spain and said the preparations had been aimed at ensuring the players were ready to begin the campaign strongly.

“But the team did an amazing job at the training camp in Spain,” he said. “Everything we did in pre-season was to be ready for the start of the season and to make our supporters proud.”

Al-Ittihad will begin their new Saudi Pro League campaign on Saturday, when they host Al-Kholood at Alinma Stadium in the opening round.

Aouar hopes the club’s supporters will attend in large numbers as the team starts the season with high expectations.

“Our first Saudi league match will be next Saturday, and we hope the fans will be there because we need them,” he said. “Now we are ready and mentally focused, and we are entering the season with high ambitions, as Al-Ittihad always should.”