FIFA Club World Cup: Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro sets sights on knockout stages
- Adamu Muftawu
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Al Ahly manager Jose Riveiro is looking towards a team goal of reaching the knockout stages at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America.
The record CAF Champions League holders will come up against America’s Inter Miami in their opener on Sunday, June 15 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. The 49-year-old Spanish coach, who recently joined the Egyptian giants after parting ways with South African side Orlando Pirates, spoke to Al Ahly’s website.
“Our goal at this stage is to qualify for the round of 16 as a first step. We want to achieve positive results and we are seriously preparing for the first match against Inter Miami.
“Al Ahly is a great club, with supporters all over the world. We know that many fans expect positive results from us, and we will do everything to make them proud.”
Riveiro also commented on the threat posed by Inter Miami’s eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi.
“Of course, Lionel Messi has won everything; some consider him the greatest player in history. This means we will have to put in a big effort in this match.
“That said, we are happy to face him, but that doesn’t diminish the value of the other Inter Miami players. We are preparing to face the entire team, not just one player.”
The African giants will also need to overcome fellow Group A opponents Palmeiras of Brazil as well as Portuguese giants FC Porto. The top two finishing teams will qualify for the Round of 16.
