Abu Dhabi: Wydad Casablanca coach Hussain Amotta is not stressed by the need to replicate the feat of his side’s city rivals Raja Casablanca, at this week’s Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Raja went all the way to the final in the 2013 edition of the tournament held in Morocco before defeat to Bayern Munich.
Wydad are now competing in the tournament for the first time this week after winning the African Champions League last month, and will kick off their campaign against Mexico’s Pachuca in Saturday’s quarter-final at Zayed Sports City from 5pm.
“Wydad don’t compare themselves to anyone,” said Amotta of Raja’s run. “We’re coming here with self-confidence from what we’ve achieved, and have our own tactics and belief.
“International matches give opportunities for players to do their best and I believe that they are going to do that.”
Even Raja fans are getting behind their city rivals Wydad heading into this campaign and Amotta added that he can feel the spirit.
“After our historic African Champions League win over Al Ahly [of Egypt] we’ve seen all Moroccans supporting our team and now we not only represent Moroccan football but also African football.
“We are not here for a walk in the park and want to defend our colours to make all our fans happy.
“Maybe we are lucky to play in the UAE,” he added of the Arab factor. “I’m confident not only Moroccans but the whole Arab community will support us. We often see that when we play outside our country.”
Of Pachuca, who are making their fourth appearance in the tournament, he said: “They have some important names and experienced players like Keisuke Honda, they also have good attackers and their right side is strong.
“But we don’t think about our opponents, we just focus on our team and make sure we are present to intervene on time. Those specifics will make the difference on whether we achieve victory or make mistakes and lose.
“We are focusing on those specifics when facing such an experienced team who are always participating in championships such as these, but we will do our best.
“Tomorrow we will see if we’re capable of beating them or not, I believe Wydad has the qualities and if we play to our means, techniques and skills, we will be ready. I have confidence in each individual player.”
Wydad midfielder Abdul Adim Khadrouf said: “It’s not been an easy path to get here but we’ve managed it, we now have huge respect for Pachuca, who like us have achieved a lot, but we want to stay in the Club World Cup, show our talent and honour Moroccan football.
“The management has identified their strengths and weaknesses, we are working on what the coach wants us to do, and we are sure to be up for the game to make Morocco happy.”
