Neymar’s Al Hilal coach has now warmed his side about Esteghlal FC boss Pitso Mosimane.
Mosimane is by no means a stranger in football in the Middle East, as he has previously coached clubs in the Saudi Arabia and in the United Arab Emirates.
In late October, the South African tactician accepted his fourth job in the Gulf region, as he is now in charge of Esteghlal following stints at Al Hilal, Al Wahda and Abha Club.
The 60-year-old has not had a good start in the Iranian top-flight after losing both of his opening two matches against Kheybar and Tractor.
Mosimane’s focus has now shifted to Monday night’s AFC Champions League game against reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal, who boast a star-studded squad, including the likes of Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo and Aleksandar Mitrovic just to name a few.
However, despite the glaring contrast between the two teams, Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has suggested that he is aware of the danger Mosimane’s team possess.
“We have a difficult match ahead of us, against a strong team with a good group,” Jesus said in a press conference, according to FilGoal.cabout.
“We know their coach, Mosimane, who previously coached in Saudi Arabia. Esteghlal is ranked sixth in the group, and certainly aspires to improve its position.
“Our opponent plays on the defensive side, and every match is different from the other. Our method is collective, and no player acts on his own, and everyone realizes that we play as a team.”
Al Hilal currently top Group B of the AFC Champions League after picking up three wins from their first three games.
Esteghlal, meanwhile, have on won one of their three opening matches, with the other two fixtures ending in defeats.
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