CR Belouizdad head coach Saad Ramovic says his side are fully focused on their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Egypt’s Al-Masry Club this weekend.
The Algerian side will face the Port Said outfit in the first leg of what is expected to be a tightly contested tie.
Ramovic acknowledged the quality of the Egyptian club but insisted his team are determined to maintain their playing identity while approaching the match with discipline and intensity.
Speaking in an interview with CAFOnline.com, the Belouizdad coach said his side have prepared with the seriousness required for the knockout stage of a continental competition.
“We focus in our preparations on the match, as always. In the quarter-finals of a continental competition the level is very high, so organisation and team structure become decisive factors,” Ramovic said.
“We approach this stage with humility and respect for the competition, but also with confidence in our way of playing, which is proactive football with high intensity and the ambition to control matches.”
The German coach expects a tactically demanding encounter against an Al-Masry side he described as organised and dangerous.
“We expect a difficult and tactically rich match. Al-Masry is a well organised team with a lot of quality in its squad. They are also strong offensively, which is reflected in the goal difference they have achieved in the league,” he explained.
“Egyptian clubs traditionally show strong positional discipline. They defend cohesively between the lines and manage the rhythm of matches intelligently. They are also dangerous in transition moments, so it requires patience and precision in our attacking approach.”
The tie also carries an interesting subplot as Al-Masry are coached by Nabil Kouki, who previously managed CR Belouizdad.
Ramovic expressed respect for his counterpart but insisted the focus remains on the present.
“I have a lot of respect for coach Nabil Kouki. He is an experienced coach who knows African football and this competition very well,” Ramovic said.
“He previously coached CR Belouizdad, which shows the respect he has earned in the football world. But football is always moving forward. Today each team has its own ideas, its own structure and its own identity.”
Ramovic believes the outcome of the two legged tie will depend on how well each team manages key moments of the game.
“Controlling the game during its different phases will be important, as well as managing transitions well,” he added.
“Maintaining the proper distances between the lines and controlling spaces between midfield and defence are essential elements. The team that manages these moments better will have the advantage.”
Belouizdad will host the second leg and Ramovic believes the support of the home fans could play a role in the decisive stages.
“Playing the second leg at home can give the team extra energy. The fans of CR Belouizdad create a strong atmosphere, which can be an important factor in decisive moments,” he said.
“For us, it is a privilege to represent our club and supporters in a continental competition. We take on this challenge with humility and respect, and with the ambition to deliver the best version of football we can.”
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