GUANGZHOU, CHINA // Luiz Felipe Scolari says he has full faith Guangzhou Evergrande will secure the Asian Champions League against Al Ahli on Saturday.
The Chinese champions, winners of the tournament two years ago, host the Dubai club at the Tianhe Stadium in the second leg of the final after the 0-0 draw at the Rashid Stadium earlier this month.
Scolari has been in charge of Guangzhou since June, guiding the club through a 22-match unbeaten run that included a fifth consecutive Chinese Super League title.
The Brazilian, who led his national team to the 2002 World Cup crown, said he has little doubt that his players can improve upon their first display against Ahli and lift the Champions League trophy, too.
“It is quite simple,” said Scolari, as he waits to discover if tournament top-scorer Ricardo Goulart has recovered from injury in time for the match. “We hope we can play better than we did in the previous leg and, if we achieve that, I don’t think tomorrow will be a challenge for us. If our performance is worse, then we will have troubles.
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“I haven’t been in China for a very long time and it the first time I can win this continental title. I believe that all the finals I’ve participated in matter a lot for the players and for me. So I would like to seize my next championship tomorrow.
“I have the confidence because I have great players behind me. They have dreams and are never afraid of chasing those dreams. That’s why I believe my players deserve to be here.”
Zheng Zhi, the Guangzhou captain who won the trophy in 2013, added: “Tomorrow’s match is significant for the team, the city of Guangzhou and for Chinese football. We all have great expectations and we’re very excited for tomorrow — everyone is determined to do their best.
“After the first leg we know Ahli have technical quality and talent. But we will find a way to tackle our rivals tomorrow. We have the confidence and we hope to embrace the trophy for a second time.”