Internacional trained on Monday as coach Abel Braga attempted to fine-tune the team?s tactics for their FIFA Club World Cup debut match against Egyptian side Al-Ahly on Wednesday at 8.20 (Brasília time).

Abel gathers the players before a training session in Tokyo (Jefferson Bernardes/VIPCOMM)

The training session occurred at the beginning of the morning (late afternoon in Japan) at Nishigaoka Stadium in Tokyo and was closed to the press. During the practice, Abel paid special attention to dead-ball situations. Pressure marking in the opposition half was emphasised as well, as semi-finalists Al-Ahly's quick passing is one of the team's most notable skills.

Fernandão emphasised Al-Ahly qualities (Jefferson Bernardes/VIPCOMM)

"Their school follows European tactics with quick and agile players; the only difference lies in their short passes, with not as many long balls, which has surprised us a little," analysed skipper Fernandão.

Heavy marking in the opposition half is going to be critical in the opinion of centre-back Índio. ?They pass the ball a lot. The coach is trying to make us realise that we must not allow them space on the pitch. We are on the lookout,? said the defender.

Colorados train in Tokyo as debut match gets nearer (Jefferson Bernardes/VIPCOMM)

On Tuesday early morning, Inter will conduct their last training session before their FIFA Club World Cup debut.

Precaution

Watching every detail during the competition, Internacional management decided to ?preserve? striker Alexandre Pato from the intense media pressure the player is suffering in Japan. In order not to hinder his performance in the world?s greatest club tournament, Inter have decided not to allow the media to interview the 17-year-old player in Tokyo.

"I am experienced in terms of football and I?ve seen players that couldn?t even sleep under such circumstances. Yesterday (Sunday), he was feeling against the wall as so many people were looking for him. He is not prohibited from conceding interviews. Simply, there is a lot of curiosity about him, and I believe it is better to move him away from this all," stated president Fernando Carvalho.

Alexandre Pato receives special care from Internacional staff

Inter?s professional football executive manager, Newton Drummond, believes that Pato has already made his name at Inter and does not need to give as many interviews in order to be known. "He is already on the media; they speak of him as much as they speak of Fernandão and Clemer," affirmed Drummond.

Captain Fernandão agreed with the management?s decision. ?If he plays well against Al-Ahly, everyone is going to want to talk to 'The Duck'. Such pressure should not be placed upon his shoulders,? assessed the experienced Colorado player.

Visit

FIFA Club World Cup champion with São Paulo in 2005, coach Paulo Autuori visited Internacional?s delegation at Tokyo's Four Seasons hotel on Monday. A personal friend of Abel Braga?s, Autuori claimed to be an Inter fan. Currently leaving Japan?s Kashima Antlers to sign with Brazilian side Cruzeiro, Autuori, who coached Inter in 1999, had a lengthy conversation with the Colorado head coach.

In a press conference after the visit, Paulo Autuori said that he expects that Internacional should have a good performance in their first FIFA Club World Cup. "As Inter are a competitive team, I am positive that they will play a good role,? commented the coach, who left São Paulo just after winning the world crown in order to sign with Kashima.

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