An estimated one billion people are expected to view tonight’s Asian Champions League final match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal at Parramatta Stadium, making the match one of the biggest events in the teams’ history.
While they have a big task keeping their A-League fans happy, it’s no secret that Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has focused most of his time on getting the upper hand on his Middle Eastern opponents.
“The Champions League final will always be number one, it’s our biggest prize, no A-League team has been able to do it,” Popovic said.
Training has been rightfully intense these past couple of weeks, as Wanderers player Kwabena Appiah told the media. “The amount we have all put in has been incredible,” Appiah said.
“It’s the Champions League final in the biggest continent in the world. Even for senior players it’s a massive moment in their careers.”
Al Hilal has been keeping to itself while it’s been stationed in Sydney. The Saudi millionaires, also known as the ‘Blue Wave’, made a grand entrance, arriving on a private jet and promptly checking into one of Sydney’s most expensive hotels. They also paid for about 200 fans to make the trip with them.
The players are said to have snubbed present media and fans, taking no interviews and complaining about the state of our football facilities.
