Pachuca players and staff (pictured) board the plane that will take them to the United Arab Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup on December 3, 2017. (Photo: Mexsport)
PACHUCA, Mexico – Pachuca is taking a one-game-at-a-time approach as it prepares for the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates
The 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League champion – which departed for the Middle East on Sunday -- opens the tournament on December 9 at the quarterfinal stage against Africa’s Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), with the winner advancing to face South American titleholder Gremio.
“For us, the final is the first match,” said Pachuca head coach Diego Alonso. “We have it very clear. It is where we have to focus ourselves and put our energy. At times, an error is committed in thinking ahead, but we ought to think on what is essential, which is the first match and being able to win it.
“We are excited about the opponents that we will face and by going to play in a World Cup.”
Since the Tuzos’ Liga MX Apertura campaign ended on November 17, the time away from competitive play has allowed key players DF Erick Aguirre, MF Erick Gutierrez and FW Franco Jara to continue recovering from injuries.
Alonso is hopeful that the trio will be able to play at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.
“Some of them are going to arrive fit,” Alonso remarked, finishing, “and we hope that whoever plays will give their maximum.”
Pachuca is 1W-1D-4L in six all-time Club World Cup games over the course of three previous appearances.
