Al Ittihad are planning to spring a tactical surprise on Al Ain for their first leg AFC Champions League quarter-final meeting after coach Khalid Al Koroni admitted he had recently toyed with his team’s play to confuse watching scouts.
Ittihad have already begun their Saudi Professional League campaign, claiming victories in their opening two fixtures against Al Faisaly and Al Fateh.
Observers from the Boss are sure to have taken in this pair of matches, which is a scenario the crafty Al Koroni had prepared for.
He said: “Until now, Ittihad did not show the true image of Ittihad. We are trying to win this game against Al Ain.
“We also did not play with our normal tactics in the last two games, as we needed to make a surprise for this game.”
“Ittihad will give a surprise in this game,’” he added.
“The two teams know each other very well, but the surprise will be how the players are utilised inside this game.
“In football, everyone can win or lose. We will do our best.”
Tradition dictates that sides playing away first in a two-legged tie have an advantage as their home support can boost them to success in the return meeting.
This scenario is looking unlikely for Ittihad, however, after the Asian Football Confederation issued a banning order for their supporters in next Tuesday’s decider at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium after disruption during the round of 16 win against Al Shabab Riyadh.
An appeal to this decision is to be heard in the coming week, with Al Koroni hoping for a reversal.
He said: “We have to try and win the game in Al Ain. We hope to get a good result and win this game, whatever the situation with spectators for our home game.
“The fans are always good and support the team. We hope the Ittihad spectators will be there, as the Ittihad management have appealed the decision.
“We hope to win the decision and see the fans at our home.
“The final decision has to be made for the players inside the field, as these are the small things the players can give to the fans.
“It is important to win [at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium] and give this as a gift to the supporters who travel to Al Ain.”