Belouizdad coach Ramovic: “We will try to impose our way of playing”
CR Belouizdad head coach Saad Ramovic says his team are fully focused on their upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Egypt’s Al-Masry Club this weekend.
The Algerian side will face the Port Said outfit in what promises to be a tactically demanding first leg this weekend.
Ramovic acknowledged the quality of their opponents but stressed that his players are determined to maintain their identity and approach the match with discipline and intensity.
The Belouizdad coach believes organisation and control of key moments will be decisive in a tie that will be played over two legs.
In an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, Ramovic spoke about his team’s preparations, the tactical challenge posed by Al-Masry and the importance of imposing his side’s style of play.
CAFOnline.com: How are your preparations for the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup?
Saad Ramovic:
We focus in our preparations on the match, as always. In the quarter-finals of a continental competition the level is very high, so the organisation and the team structure become decisive factors. We approach this stage with humility and respect for the competition, but also with confidence in our way of playing — proactive football with high intensity and the ambition to control matches.
How do you see the two matches against Al-Masry Club?
We expect a difficult and tactically rich match. Al-Masry is a well-organised team with a lot of quality in its squad. They are also strong offensively, which is reflected in the goal difference they have achieved in the league. Egyptian clubs traditionally show strong positional discipline. They defend cohesively between the lines and manage the rhythm of matches intelligently. They are also dangerous in transition moments, so it requires patience and precision in our attacking approach. At this level, matches are often decided in crucial moments.
You will face a team coached by Nabil Kouki, who previously coached CR Belouizdad. What does this mean for you?
I have a lot of respect for coach Nabil Kouki. He is an experienced coach who knows African football and this competition very well. He previously coached CR Belouizdad, which shows the respect he has earned in the football world. But football is always moving forward. Today each team has its own ideas, its own structure and its own identity, and that is what makes football interesting.
In your opinion as a coach, what are the keys to winning this game?
Controlling the game during its different phases will be important, as well as managing transitions well. Maintaining the proper distances between the lines, controlling the spaces between midfield and defence, and staying cohesive as a team are essential elements. In addition, the relationship between time and space is crucial. The team that manages these moments better — whether with or without the ball — will have the advantage. In the end, we will try to impose our style and way of playing, but always with control and discipline.
What does it mean for you to play the second leg at home? Do you see this as an advantage?
Playing the second leg at home can always give the team extra energy. The fans of CR Belouizdad create a strong atmosphere, which can be an important factor in decisive moments. But in knockout matches we always think about the 180-minute tie, so the first game is also important in terms of balance and control.
A final word?
For us, it is a privilege to represent our club and supporters in a continental competition. We take on this challenge with humility and respect, and with the ambition to deliver the best version of football we can.