Continental crown would be a great honour: Scolari

Dubai - Legendary Brazilian coach wary of Al Ahli threat

Guangzhou Evergrande boss Luiz Felipe Scolari hopes to win the Asian Champions League (ACL) final against Al Ahli to add the continental crown to an already impressive array of accolades on his managerial CV. The experienced Brazilian has won domestic honours in China, Kuwait and Uzbekistan, where he guided Bunyodkor to the ACL quarter-finals only to lose to eventual winners Pohang Steelers, of South Korea, back in 2009. He has also won the South American club championship (Copa Libertadores) with Gremio (1995) and Palmeiras (1999) in his native Brazil and steered his home country to the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and the FIFA Confederations Cup 11 years later.
Scolari thus has spanned much of the globe in his illustrious 33-year career - tasting plenty of success along the way - and this would clearly take pride of place among his list of achievements. "I've had two chances to reach the Asian Champions League (ACL) final in my life," explained the 66-year-old, who took Kuwait to a Gulf Cup of Nations triumph a quarter of a century ago.
"The first time was with Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan and we went out in the quarter-finals. During my career, I've been a world champion and a champion in South America and it would be a great honour for me to be an Asian champion now.
"I really hope that my players can win this championship for me as it is a great opportunity." However, it's clear Scolari won't be underestimating the Red Knights after being impressed with the way they accounted for Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal 4-3 on aggregate in the last-four phase.
"I'm really impressed by this team, especially after their semi-final," Scolari added. "The side produced a very good performance and I believe they're really well organised, with very good and skillful players."
Guangzhou will be without suspended centre-back Kim Young Gwon for this first leg encounter at Rashid Stadium tonight (Saturday, Kick-off: 7:45pm), but Scolari has every confidence in his designated replacement, Mei Fang.
"Mei Fang will play," the former Chelsea manager confirmed.
"I'm pretty sure that he will have a very awesome performance tomorrow (Saturday)."
Ahli will be hoping Scolari isn't quite as effusive with the superlatives about his attacking players in his post-match press conference at around 10pm this evening.
Ricardo Goulart is the tournament's topscorer with eight goals and he will be supported by two fellow compatriots in forward Elkeson and the ex Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho.
Paulinho will take his place in Guangzhou's central midfield alongside former Celtic and Charlton Athletic player Zheng Zhi, who is eyeing up a second ACL title in three years with Evergrande.
"We do have a little bit of pressure, but we're very confident for this final," the 35-year-old veteran added. "The final will be pretty different this year (from the 2013 edition). Al Ahli are going to be a new and very big challenge for us.
"They're very well organised and their players are capable of producing a very good performance. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be really tough match, but we're ready and very confident."
alex@khaleejtimes.com