Abu Dhabi: It was a sort of homecoming for SC Internacional coach, Celso Roth and two of his players, Rafael Sobis and Alecsandro Felisbino Barbosa, when the Brazilian team arrived at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium to watch Friday's match between TP Mazembe and Pachuca.
Roth — after having coached club sides in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia — had a stint here in the UAE with Al Ahli in 1996 while Sobis played on this very ground for nearly two seasons while Barbosa signed for Al Wahda a few years back. Internacional also won the Dubai Cup defetaing Inter Milan in Dubai in 2008.
Many others in the Internacional squad were delighted when Abel Braga, the current coach of Al Jazira and the man who led the Brazilian side to the Fifa Club World Cup triumph in 2006, met them at the stadium which ios the home base of Al Jazira Club.
After catching up and exchanging views with Roth, Braga reportedly promised a barbecue at his home for the visitors at his home, according to team vice-president Fernando Carvalho.
‘Difficult opponents'
Commenting on the strengths of Mazembe, whom they take on this Tuesday for a place in the final, Roth said: "We watched them and they have shown some very good skills. They are very strong and will be difficult opponents. African football is always aggressive and competitive."
Fabian Bolivar, Internacional defender, who also attended yesterday's press conference along with Roth, said: "Mazembe are a very strong side. They are quick on the ball and strong in their counterattacks. We will not find it easy against them and will have to stay focused."
Roth said: "My view is very simple. Brazilian football is very good. We play quality football and we play to win. My team is experienced and has a high level of maturity to tackle all types of rivals."
