Rui Almeida, coach of Difaa El Jadidi in Morocco, sat down with A BOLA to discuss various topics. The Club World Cup, featuring FC Porto and Benfica, was on the agenda. Almeida also touched on his experience with Sporting and his potential return to Portugal.
About bringing Portuguese players to Morocco, Almeida said it’s not about the nationality, but about competitiveness and adaptation. He’s open to working with players from anywhere, as long as they fit his team’s needs.
Regarding the Club World Cup, Almeida thinks the Moroccan team, Wydad, will be competitive. He expects intense matches, given the teams’ motivation and ambition. Almeida hopes FC Porto and Benfica will make it to the final, which would be exciting for fans.
As a former assistant coach at Sporting, Almeida is happy with the team’s recent success. He credits the club’s restructuring and the president’s vision. Almeida believes a well-organized club is key to success, and Sporting has taken a giant step in that direction.
Almeida’s experience at Gil Vicente was marked by challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and a change in the club’s direction. He doesn’t think he was given enough time to make an impact. Despite this, Almeida is open to returning to Portugal and working with the right team and people.
After leaving Gil Vicente, Almeida took a break from coaching due to personal reasons and the pandemic. He eventually returned to coaching in Algeria and then Saudi Arabia. Almeida found the football scene in Saudi Arabia to be very different from Morocco, with higher-quality stadiums and a more competitive league.
Club World Cup Preview
The Club World Cup is set to feature some of the world’s top teams, including FC Porto, Benfica, and Wydad. Almeida expects the tournament to be highly competitive, with teams from different regions bringing their unique styles and motivations.
Teams to Watch
- FC Porto: The Portuguese team will face Al Ahly from Egypt in the tournament.
- Benfica: The team will be looking to make a strong impression in the Club World Cup.
- Wydad: The Moroccan team will be competing against top teams like Manchester City and Juventus.
Almeida’s insights into the world of football, from his experiences in Portugal to his current role in Morocco, offer a unique perspective on the sport. As the Club World Cup approaches, fans can expect exciting matches and intense competition.