Al-Ittihad were due to face Neftchi in Uzbekistan on Monday in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite West Region league stage. The team went into the match without a win from its first two rounds, and Sunday's press conference was held in the Uzbek city of Fergana.
Wissing speaks in Fergana
Speaking at Sunday's press conference in the Uzbek city of Fergana, German coach Jens Wissing said: "We are seeking victory in tomorrow's match, to make up for the points we lost during the first two rounds, and to continue our journey in the tournament."
Rotation plans under a busy schedule
Wissing said fixture congestion forces him into constant changes to the line-up, shaped by the technical and physical demands of the match in front of him. He also said his preferred style relies on rotating players continuously to help them cope with back-to-back fixtures.
Neftchi and Al-Ittihad's start
Wissing praised Neftchi and said they top the standings in their own country and have a clear attacking threat. Two rounds into the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ittihad were still without a win.
Rajkovic on the team's preparation
Predrag Rajkovic said the results Al-Ittihad managed in the first two rounds fell short of their ambitions. He said the players were preparing physically and technically to handle the pressure of matches and return to positive results. Rajkovic said: "We will work so that tomorrow's match is our real start in the tournament."
Al-Ittihad opened their Champions League Elite campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al-Shamal. Al-Ittihad then lost 2-1 to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.