Al Ittihad’s captain, Karim Benzema, is gearing up for a crucial King’s Cup final against Al Qadsiah, scheduled for Friday in Jeddah. In a pre-match press conference, he spoke about the significance of mental focus and concentration in such high-stakes matches.
Benzema highlighted the distinct nature of cup finals, noting, “Finals aren’t played — they’re won. These matches are different from league games; they don’t allow for second chances.” He acknowledged the strength of their opponents and the pressure associated with deciding titles, stating, “We’re facing a tough team. We’ve done good things this season, and now we’ll do everything we can to secure a strong result. We’ve outperformed everyone this season and have great confidence in ourselves and in our fans. Playing at home matters.”
The striker, who recently led his team to win the league title, emphasized the necessity of thorough preparation for the upcoming match: “It’s a final, and there are no half-measures. It’s a difficult match, and we need to prepare well. Tomorrow night in Jeddah will be magical.”
He also expressed confidence in fan support, assuring that despite a potentially split crowd, the backing from Ittihad fans would be invaluable. “I know the crowd will be split 50/50, but the 50% backing Ittihad will be worth more than you can imagine. We are motivated and determined to win.”
Al Ittihad aims to achieve a domestic double by securing the King’s Cup title after their recent triumph in the Roshn Saudi League. The team’s confidence, combined with Benzema’s leadership, sets the stage for an exciting final that fans are eagerly anticipating.