Korbi: “We are ready to challenge Al-Ahly”

The midfielder Khaled Korbi is one of the pillars of Tunisia’s Esperance FC in this final stretch of the African Champions League 2010. With valuable help from his brother, Mehdi Korbi – who speaks English and serves as agent to the player – we got to contact one of the best footballers from Maghreb region, in north of Africa, the ‘Arab-african region’. At age 24 years old, Korbi is also in the orbit of Tunisia national team and told us about Sunday’s game against Al-Ahly from Egypt in the semifinals of the African Champions League. There is an atmosphere of euphoria surrounding this magical moment of the most popular club from old territory of Carthage, in Tunis.
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We are all impressed by the great moment of Esperance, which dominates the tunisian football scene and are disputing the semifinals of the African Champions League. Tell us about this special moment.
The Esperance FC has always been a big club. It was founded in 1919! It is a legendary club and has very loyal fans. Under the leadership of President Hamdi Meddeb we hope of shining in the true sense, not only nationally, but internationally as well.

Why should we believe the Esperance FC can beat the favorite Al-Ahly from Egypt in African Champions League semifinals?
We have good values, we are a group of young footballers. We are prepared mentally and physically for the clash. We know that Al-Ahly is a great club. They were six times champions in Africa and can not be underestimated.

The Esperance FC not won the African Champions League since 1994. You feel the pressure?
I think the positive pressure is essential. The fact that the club did not win the tournament since 1994 increases the pressure, but I insist that this continues to be positive for our performance.

Is it true that you’ve always been a supporter of Esperance?
Yes, since my childhood I was always a supporter of Esperance. I grew up in an environment of Esperance FC fans; my grandfather, my father, me, we are all fans of Esperance. Playing for this club was a dream of mine and my father.

Faouzi Benzarti is one of the most respected coaches in North Africa. What kind of leader is he?
He’s a great coach and tactician. He has a very rare quality that is to know exactly how to motivate players. Benzarti emphasizes on physical labor and collective combinations when it comes down to tactics. Very serious and responsible. A great disciplinarian.

The great jewel of Tunisian football and this edition of the African Champions League has been midfielder Oussama Darragi, your teammate in Esperance FC. He has been called ‘Darraginho’ and ‘Picasso’. What do you think about it?

He is a good player and he is progressing every day.

Believes that the new breed of football in Tunisia can bring back the country back on the route of the World Cup?
Yes, of course! I’m sure we will be more structured and organized.

Name: Khaled Korbi

Date of Birth: December 16, 1985 in Tunis, Tunisia.

Clubs:
2005 – 2008: Stade Tunisien

2009 -: Esperance

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