The Egyptian side will face Asian Champions League winners Al Ahli on Tuesday in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Al Ahli boast a star-studded squad reportedly valued at €173 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Their squad includes Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Algerian international Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie, former Porto winger Galeno, and English striker Ivan Toney.
By contrast, Pyramids FC’s squad is valued at just €22 million. But Jurcic downplayed the financial disparity ahead of the high-profile fixture.
“Money is very important in football, but it’s not the only factor,” Jurcic told reporters at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“What happens on the pitch determines the result.”
The Croatian manager said he is proud of how far the club has come in such a short time, emerging as a domestic and continent heavyweight.
In just eight years since their founding, Pyramids FC have claimed the Egypt Cup and the CAF Champions League, while finishing runners-up in the Egyptian Premier League in each of the last four seasons.
“I am very proud of where the club is today,” Jurcic said. “Playing in this competition is an important milestone in our history.
“No one expected Pyramids to win the CAF Champions League, qualify for the Intercontinental Cup, and compete on the world stage in such a short period.
“The dream has come true—we are here, and we have a real chance to go far.”
Jurcic urged his players to give everything against what he described as a formidable opponent.
“I faced Al Ahli twice during my time as Al-Nassr coach. They are a strong team with many quality players, an excellent coach, and a massive fanbase,” he said.
“I’ve watched their last two matches—they showed great resilience. But I have full confidence in my players and their ability to rise to the occasion, despite the absences we are dealing with,” he concluded.
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