Yokohama v Al Ain: Maverick keeper Khalid Essa key to UAE club's chances of ACL glory
Khalid Essa was downright. Defiant even.
Players.bio is a large online platform sharing the best live coverage of your favourite sports: Football, Golf, Rugby, Cricket, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA, plus the latest sports news, transfers & scores. Exclusive interviews, fresh photos and videos, breaking news. Stay tuned to know everything you wish about your favorite stars 24/7. Check our daily updates and make sure you don't miss anything about celebrities' lives.
Khalid Essa was downright. Defiant even.
It represents something of a quirk that the Asian Champions League has provided the nadir of Hernan Crespo’s still-emergent managerial career yet could soon offer its zenith.
Al Ain manager Hernan Crespo said his side did not deserve to lose the ADIB Cup final to Al Wahda, but backed his team to rebound in their bid to become Asian champions later this month.
Despite being bogged down somewhat by the protective boot on his right foot, a consequence of the injury that curtailed his Asian Champions League semi-final, Erik still lit up at the thought of what had just passed.
Al Ain defender Kouame Autonne put his side’s progress to the Asian Champions League final down to their “family” ethic, saying the UAE club will work tirelessly to come back even stronger to clinch the trophy.
Hernan Crespo praised the “personality” and “courage” of his Al Ain players after the UAE club defeated Saudi Arabian rivals Al Hilal to reach the Asian Champions League final.
Park Yong-woo collapsed to the turf, sodden with sweat, his legs unable to carry him any more. Not far from view, Yahia Nader was on his knees, heads in hands, barely able to take in the moment, take in the accomplishment.
Faced with one of the most important matches in Al Ain’s history, manager Hernan Crespo said his players must embrace the pressure and leave Tuesday’s Asian Champions League semi-final against Al Hilal in Riyadh with “no regrets”.