Mendy heroics help Al Ahli past Auckland as Busic plays down Demiral incident

Al Ahli manager Marino Busic said goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s saves were crucial in his side’s 1-0 victory over Auckland FC, while describing defender Merih Demiral’s apparent frustration at being substituted as “just a misunderstanding”.

The Saudi Arabian club opened their campaign in the Club Intercontinental Cup with a narrow win over the New Zealand side in Jeddah on Wednesday. The result secured Al Ahli a place against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a match to decide the champions of Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Busic praised his players for carrying out the work rehearsed in training, while stressing that tactical ideas alone were not enough to succeed.

“The players implemented everything they had trained for. They are now in a good position,” said the Dutchman. “Ideas in football are not everything, but the most important thing is the tools, and we have suitable tools to apply any tactic.”

Busic said he was pleased with the squad available to him when asked about potential summer signings. The manager stopped short of making any prediction about the club’s plans but expressed satisfaction with the players currently in his group.

“I am very happy with all the players today. We are not sure about the future, but I am happy with those who are currently with me,” he said.

Despite Al Ahli’s victory, Busic admitted his team had struggled to reach the required standard during the opening half. He highlighted the contribution of Mendy, who kept Auckland at bay on more than one occasion.

“Mendy saved us with more than one ball,” Busic said.

The manager felt Al Ahli improved significantly after the interval and deserved to claim the win. He said the team’s collective effort was particularly important as they became more effective both in attack and defence.

“In the second half, we appeared in a better way and deserved the victory,” he added. “Everyone performed at an excellent level. They attacked and defended as one team.”

Busic also noted that Auckland presented different challenges from the teams Al Ahli face in the Saudi Pro League. He explained that he develops an overall assessment of opponents before matches, rather than relying on chance, while allowing his players to make some decisions during games.

The coach was also asked about Demiral’s reaction when the Turkey international was replaced. The incident had appeared to suggest frustration from the defender, but Busic rejected the idea that it reflected a dispute within the squad.

“There was no problem with the substitutions, just a misunderstanding,” he said.

Al Ahli’s next assignment will be against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the winner crowned the representative champion of Africa, Asia and the Pacific in the Club Intercontinental Cup.