Saudi coach Donis praises win over Iraq, urges team to maintain form

Saudi Arabia’s national football team coach, Greek manager Georgios Donis, expressed his satisfaction with his players’ performance and fighting spirit in their 2-0 win over Iraq. The match, held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, marked the third and final round of the group stage in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Donis said the Saudi team created several chances against a strong opponent. He highlighted the technical staff’s efforts to maintain the players’ physical readiness despite recent absences, and stressed the importance of greater caution in upcoming matches.

Donis added that from the outset, the coaching staff emphasized the need for focus, tactical discipline, and respect for team rules. He noted that one of the squad’s main priorities is to maintain their current level in every match and continue implementing their established playing style.

Praise for fan support and Iraqi coach’s comments

Donis also praised the strong support from Saudi fans during the match, describing it as a key factor in securing the win.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s head coach Graham Arnold acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s strong performance, attributing his team’s defeat to defensive errors and emphasizing the need for further work in the coming period.