Saitama: Ramon Diaz says Al Hilal have no intention of changing their attacking style ahead of the second leg of the AFC Champions League final with Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium on Saturday.
The Riyadh club dominated the first leg on home soil but, after falling behind in the first 10 minutes, could only manage a 1-1 draw as Omar Khribin levelled the scores before the interval, but was also denied on several occasions by Urawa goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.
Diaz's side, though, created numerous chances as they continually got behind the Urawa backline and, unbeaten in the tournament so far, have travelled to Japan full of belief that they can win the competition for the first time.
"We played with style in the first leg by keeping possession of the ball, pressing our opponents and playing offensively. We created many chances but couldn't take them," said Diaz.
"I don't think we'll change our style in the second game. We want the ball and to be able to take the initiative and we'll try to score so we can win the game.
"We have very good and talented players who can penetrate any defence, no matter how strong they are. We are here, we are ready and we are confident we can win."
Al Hilal, though, will have to cope without their influential Brazilian Carlos Eduardo after he was forced off early in the first leg through injury and has since been ruled out of the return fixture.
But in his place comes Nawaf Al Abed, who had spent some time on the sidelines himself but put in a strong performance on his comeback and will likely start against Urawa on Saturday.
"Carlos Eduardo is very important to us, but we always put emphasis on working as a group," added Diaz.
"We have had to make many changes to the side over the course of the AFC Champions League so all the players are ready and anyone who has come in previously has replaced his colleagues well.
"Nawaf is coming back from injury but he is ready to perform well like he did in the first match. The most important thing is that all the players have a strong will to win the game."
Having not lost in 13 games on the continent, Al Hilal will prove daunting opponents for anyone, although to be crowned continental champions they will have to end Urawa's run of winning all six of their home games in the competition
The game also marks a return to Japan for Diaz, after the Argentine spent two years with Yokohama F. Marinos between 1993 and 1995.
"I played here many years ago and I have a great love for the place. I gave everything for the team and they gave everything for me, so I have a lot of love for them.
"I wasn't a champion of Asia with them, but we are here now and fully ready. We have everything and I hope tomorrow we can put in the performance to bring the cup home."
Photos: AFP, Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com