Skibbe braces for stern challenge as Vissel Kobe enter AFC Champions League quarterfinals

Vissel Kobe secured the Japanese league crown in 2023 and 2024 yet remain without an Asian championship. They now confront the Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, who ousted four-time title holders Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia through a penalty shootout on Monday.

This promises to be a formidable adversary in Al Sadd, just as we witnessed two days ago, commented Skibbe, embarking on his debut campaign steering Kobe following four years at the helm of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

I reckon this will prove an intriguing fixture for our squad.

Spotting highly competitive sides from east Asia proves tricky, given the proximity of the Japanese division, the Korean one, and occasionally squads from China.

Yet the gap to west Asia feels vast, hence our delight, after an extensive trip, to arrive here and demonstrate the captivating contest we can deliver tomorrow.

Vissel Kobe alongside Al-Sadd form part of the eight remaining contenders gathered in Jeddah for the condensed knockout phase of the tournament, featuring all quarterfinals, semifinals, and the decider within the Saudi port metropolis on the Red Sea shoreline.

Prioritising recuperation

Skibbe anticipates deploying his optimal lineup, encompassing ex-Japan forwards Yuya Osako and Yoshinori Muto, whereas Mancini concentrates on aiding his charges to rebound from the demands of their triumph against Al Hilal.

Al-Sadd clawed back level on three occasions amid normal play in their last-16 clash on Monday prior to prevailing 4-2 in the shootout, thus dispatching the team guided by Simone Inzaghi.

We aim to bounce back effectively from that prior encounter, remarked Mancini. It was immensely demanding. We endured 120 minutes. Recovery is no simple task, yet we trust in a solid turnaround. I foresee an excellent match, facing a capable side boasting skilled performers.

Saudi Arabian teams were tipped to rule the event after the surge of lucrative overseas imports from Europes top tiers, though Al-Sadd overcame an Al Hilal contingent including stars like Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves.

Reigning victors Al Ahli represent one of two persisting Saudi entrants, set to meet Malaysias Johor Darul Ta'zim come Friday, coinciding with Jeddah hosts Al Ittihad versus Machida Zelvia, the other surviving Japanese participant.

Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates tackle Thailands Buriram United in the concluding quarterfinal on Saturday, with semifinals slated for Monday and Tuesday. The championship match unfolds on 25 April.