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The Sounders, who are the first team from the
United States to compete in club soccer's global finals, secured
their place in the tournament after their title-winning run in
the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
"These are going to be different styles clashing, styles that
haven't really faced each other before," Frei told reporters on
Wednesday.
"Both teams will be trying to figure each other out but we've
shown in the past that we can absorb pressure and be lethal on
counters."
Frei and defender Alex Roldan said the team will be physically
ready to compete despite having played just two friendlies since
their disappointing 2022 MLS campaign wrapped up in October.
"The offseason was crucial and players were professional about
it," Frei said.
"From what I saw I was very impressed. Guys came in very sharp,
very fit, and hungry."
The team is taking it one game at a time but is well aware that
a victory on Saturday would set up a semi-final showdown against
Spanish giants Real Madrid.
"We definitely don't look past Al Ahly. They are a very
experienced team in this tournament but if we do find ourselves
moving forward, it would be incredible," Frei said.
"For an MLS team to have the opportunity to play against
arguably the best team in the world for something meaningful is
a privilege, it's an honour.
"We sense that and we want to win against Al Ahly so that we can
showcase our skill against such a huge opponent."
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby
Davis)
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