Finidi George Plays Down Pressure As Rivers United Draw CAF Champions League Giants

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has brushed off any sense of pressure after his team was handed a tough CAF Champions League group that includes Egypt’s Pyramids FC, Moroccan side RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

Speaking after the draw in Johannesburg, Finidi George said the group is not something to fear but rather a chance for his players to show what they are made of.

“It’s extra motivation for the players,” he told the club’s media. “Having this platform on this big stage, I think it’s going to bring a lot of expectations and a lot of confidence for the players.

“They’re all looking forward to having this platform to showcase what they have. So, the time has come. Just hope mentally they are prepared for it. I don’t think physically we will struggle, but I think mentally this is a big stage.”

Finidi, who took over Rivers United earlier in the season, said his team’s focus will be on staying disciplined and doing the simple things right.

“There’s no pressure for us,” he added. “We’ll just let the boys do the basic things defensively. I think if we defend properly in a game like that, 90 minutes, we’re going to have our moment.”

The former Super Eagles boss described the group as challenging but fair, saying that to win the competition, his side must face the best at some point.

“It’s a good draw, a difficult group. But if you want to compete in that tournament, at some stage you have to play the best. We’ll prepare when the time comes. For now, we’ll just concentrate on our league games. When it’s getting closer to that, we’ll try to prepare the boys mentally for what’s coming ahead,” he said.