The ultimate insult: Al-Hilal coach calls Wanderers' RBB 'nice'

Al-Hilal coach Laurentiu Reghecampf has scoffed at a suggestion the Western Sydney Wanderers might have the more dominant fan base in this year’s Asian Champions League final.

Asked by a reporter whether he was familiar with the RBB – the Wanderers’ loyal army of supporters – Romanian-born Reghecampf struggled to keep a straight face.

It’s not that he hasn’t heard of the Red and Black Bloc, rather he believes they’re small fry compared to the ‘Blue Wave’ from Al-Hilal.

The Saudi Arabian champions play in front of 65,000 fans at King Fahd Stadium every second week, and Reghecampf reckons the 20,000 Wanderers faithful hanging from the rafters at Parramatta Stadium is more cute than intimidating.

“Have you heard about the fans from Al-Hilal? It’s not the same thing,” said Reghecampf.

“We respect all our opponents, but you can’t ask us (about crowds). We play all the difficult games with 65,000 fans and they make us a very nice atmosphere.

“We see the games here, it’s a very nice atmosphere here too. It’s a small stadium, close to the field.

“But we know how we have to do it in this situation.

“I think it’s going to be a nice atmosphere and good for a football game.”

In fact the 39-year-old is more concerned about the Parramatta Stadium traffic.

Late to the official pre-match press conference, Reghecampf spent his opening address apologising for the delay.

“First of all I’m sorry for there was traffic and we come too late,” he said.

Flanked by an Arabic translator who would repeat his answers for the dozens of Saudi journalists in attendance, Reghecampf cut a cool figure in the press conference set up in the Parramatta Eels gym.

Heavily tattooed on both arms, Reghecampf’s appointment to Al-Hilal initially caused controversy due to his marriage to a former Playboy centrefold who lives the high life in Las Vegas.

However, a shot at a third Asian title for the multi-million dollar Saudi giants has helped smooth the waters.

The former Romanian international looks very much at ease in charge of a team owned by Saudi Arabian royalty who thought nothing of the expense of booking out an entire Sydney hotel this week.

Reghecampf is confident of silencing the RBB, however the truth is other Asian heavyweights have become overwhelmed by the Wanderers vocal supporters.

The intense atmosphere at Parramatta helped the Wanderers lift against the likes of South Korean giants Seoul and former Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande.

Reghecampf says he respects the fitness of the Wanderers players and considers the final to be a 50-50 bet despite Al-Hilal going in as favourites.