Brazilian international goalkeeper: ‘We know Auckland will be tough to beat’

Auckland City’s first-round opponents at the FIFA Club World Cup are taking nothing for granted, says their Brazilian international goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.

In an interview with FIFA.com, Grohe says of his Al Ittihad club’s chances at the tournament:

“Any game in the Club World Cup is always very tough. It involves the best teams from every continent. The first game always has the nervousness factor too.

“It’s one game only, a knockout match, you need to win to stay alive in the competition. We know Auckland will be tough to beat, but we’ll prepare as best as we can for them.

“Our target is to go as far as possible. As I said, we’re focused on Auckland, taking it step by step. If we beat them, we’ll focus on Ahly. But it costs you nothing to dream. Anything can happen in football.”

Al-Ittihad meet Auckland City on Wednesday December 13 (NZT), with the winner earning a second-round tie against Egypt’s Al Ahly, who are the current African champions.

Grohe (36) is one of the Saudi club’s star players and set a league record of 18 clean sheets in 30 games in the country’s top flight last season.

In the countdown to the FIFA Club World Cup, Grohe answered questions from FIFA.com ...

How did it feel for Ittihad to win Saudi Pro League title for the first time in 14 years and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup?

It was a really important triumph for us. We knew what an important title it was within the country, and it was even more so for us because we hadn’t won it for a long time. We managed to put Ittihad back on top of the podium and, consequently, win a place at the Club World Cup. Now we get to play in such a prestigious tournament.

You kept 18 clean sheets in 30 games, broke the Saudi top flight record that had belonged to the legendary Mohamed Al-Deayea. How pleased were you with your campaign individually?

It was really nice. I share the merit for this with the whole team, the whole defensive system. It was something we accomplished together – it wasn’t just down to me. It was without doubt a record that made me very happy and that I will remember forever. It’s not easy to go so many games without conceding goals. And I was very happy that it managed to help my team win the championship.

What do you think of the Ittihad supporters’ passion?

You’re certainly get to see it at the Club World Cup! Ittihad have very passionate supporters. They don’t stop singing, vibrating, pushing you on. This transmits energy on to the pitch. It makes a big difference. Us players are very grateful to have these wonderful supporters.

How was your experience at the FIFA Club World Cup six years ago with Gremio?

It’s something I’ll always remember. Winning the Libertadores is already of huge importance to us in South America. That was already an inexplicable sensation. Then to get to the go to the Club World Cup made it extraordinary. Unfortunately we didn’t win the title – we lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in the final. Real Madrid had conquered the Champions [League], they had so many stars, but we were able to give them a really tough game. It was really special to be at that tournament. I’m really happy to have another chance to participate in the Club World Cup.

Karim Benzema helped them to the title on that occasion. Have you spoken to him about that?

(laughs) Actually, we haven’t. But I’ll tell you something: it’s much better to play alongside Benzema than against him! It’s a huge honour for me and for all our squad to have him as a team-mate.

What do you think of Benzema as a player?

There are no words that do Karim justice. He’s a superstar in his position. To have a player of his calibre in our team is a source of great inspiration. He played for one of the biggest clubs in the world for many years. You have to have something extra special to stay at Real Madrid for so long. He’s been considered the best player in the world. He scores so, so many goals. He’s lethal.

What about N’Golo Kante?

Another magnificent player. He’s a world champion, a fantastic player like Karim. We’re learning a lot from them. Having the opportunity to share a dressing room, play alongside them enables you to see how they’ve managed to stay at the very top for so long. They’ve deserved everything they’ve won.

First up for Ittihad are Auckland. What type of game are you expecting?

Any game in the Club World Cup is always very tough. It involves the best teams from every continent. The first game always has the nervousness factor too. It’s one game only, a knockout match, you need to win to stay alive in the competition. We know Auckland will be tough to beat, but we’ll prepare as best as we can for them.

The time difference doesn’t help, but did you watch the Copa Libertadores final?

As a Brazilian, I had to watch it. Fluminense are a really good side, really well coached by Fernando Diniz. They have a different style of play – a lot of possession, a lot of great technical players. They have a match-winner up front, German Cano. They have a lot of excellent technical players. I think Fluminense were deserved winners. They have a great side and had a great campaign. I’d love to meet them in the semi-finals but we have two huge hurdles to get past first. We’ve got Auckland first and, if we get through [Al] Ahly. But it would be really special to play Fluminense.

As a goalkeeper, what did you think of Fabio, at 43, playing such a crucial role in Flu’s triumph?

I had the opportunity to play against Fabio when I was in Brazil. He was always a top-quality goalkeeper. I’m really happy for him because he has accomplished something that is the dream of every player, every goalkeeper: being able to play at such a high level at the age of 43, being fundamental to his team’s success. He was always so decisive for Cruzeiro, and I’m really happy for him that he’s performed so well for Fluminense and won titles. He’s an inspiration.

What do you think of Manchester City?

There are no words. They are one of the best teams in the world. They have superstars all over the pitch. They have one of the best, if not the best, coach in the world in Pep Guardiola. It would be a source of great satisfaction to be able to play against them in the final, but there’s no point thinking about City when we have three knockout games first. We have to take it step by step, and we’re focused on Auckland. But of course it would be a dream for the players, the club and the supporters to take on City.

Finally, what is Ittihad’s target at the tournament?

Our target is to go as far as possible. As I said, we’re focussed on Auckland, taking it step by step. If we beat them, we’ll focus on Ahly. But it costs you nothing to dream. Anything can happen in football.

Acknowledgement

The interview with Marcelo Grohe was first published by FIFA.com.

Squads

Fixture

FIFA Club World Cup

Game to be played on Wednesday December 13 (NZT)

Al-Ittihad v Auckland City
King Abdulah Sports City Stadium, 7am (NZT)

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