Jordan's Al-Hussein Eyes Asian Champions League Advancement, Sustainable Player Development

Alanbatnews -

Jordan's Al-Hussein is poised for a crucial match against Iran's Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League, while simultaneously focusing on a sustainable player development model.

Al-Hussein Vice President, Ghaith Al-Maani, expressed the team's readiness for the encounter with Esteghlal, emphasizing the squad's full complement of players and capabilities.

The club is looking to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Al-Maani highlighted the club's recent achievements as proof of the progress of Jordanian football.

According to Al-Maani, Al-Hussein is currently working on developing 10 players in various positions, aiming to provide them with opportunities for advancement and growth as part of a structured plan to support professionalism.

The return of Al-Fakhouri from a stint in Egypt served as a practical model for supporting players, generating a financial return of 400,000 dinars for the club through his transfer to Pyramids FC, with a percentage also secured for future transfers.

Al-Maani stressed the importance of providing an attractive environment for Jordanian professionals through capabilities and financial and administrative stability.

Al-Hussein aims to participate in the Asian Elite Championship, viewing it as a significant responsibility to represent Jordan, reflecting the evolving ambitions and perspectives towards continental competitions.

He noted existing legislative obstacles preventing clubs from transforming into companies, while emphasizing the need for the private sector to play a role in supporting clubs.

The club management is actively working to persuade the private sector to engage with and support sports clubs, noting significant responsiveness, particularly from banks.

An agreement has been reached to pave the way for other clubs to involve the private sector in supporting clubs through agreements and sponsorships.

From his side, Habib Zabalawi, Director of Media and Communication at Al-Hussein, said that the club is keeping pace with the development it receives in terms of professionalism, through the establishment of the “Al-Hussein Media” team, networking with fans to communicate with internal and external media, and activating social media to market the club locally, Arab and globally according to well-thought-out plans.

Al-Hussein enters the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, giving them a relative advantage before the return match, which will be held on their home ground and in front of their fans. A win or a draw is enough for the team to guarantee a ticket to the next round.

The technical staff, led by Brazilian coach Franco, has completed its technical preparations and put the final touches on the tactical plan, in light of the readiness of all players, with the exception of Rizk Bani Hani, who is absent due to injury.

In return, Al-Esteghlal seeks to compensate for the loss of the first leg, based on its offensive elements, led by Munir Al-Haddadi and Kashki. The Iranian team showed clear competitiveness in the first match, which indicates a strong and open confrontation until the last moments.

The match carries additional importance, as Al-Hussein’s qualification will enhance the club’s position continentally and positively reflect on the ranking of Jordanian clubs in Asian championships, which will support the presence of Jordanian football at the continental level.