Jose points to pressure, inexperience
Written by Egypt News   
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Manuel JoseEgypt's Al Ahly coach Manuel Jose said inexperience and the weight of expectation back home in Egypt was behind his team's 4-2 defeat to Mexico's Pachuca in the Club World Cup quarter-finals

"We couldn't play our normal game. My players were under heavy pressure in our country and I think they felt heavy responsibility. My players are still not mature enough," Jose said after Saturday's defeat.

"They have not grown up enough as players. They lack experience in international competitions. I'm responsible," he added.

Pachuca came from behind to sink six-time African champions Al Ahly in Tokyo. Two free-kicks and two dramatic extra-time goals put Pachuca in line for Wednesday's showdown against South American champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador.

"We couldn't play our best in the first half and still we ended 2-0 at half time. But I can't accept the fact that a team like us loses a goal in only two minutes (into the second half)," said Jose.

"After that goal, Pachuca gathered momentum and started to fight back thinking they would be able to win. It caused us to lose another goal," lamented Jose.

Skipper Shady Mohamed said: "We could have won if the game was 45 minutes. We must think over why we couldn't keep the lead."

EGYPT NEWS

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