UAE and Bahrain coaches ready teams for Gulf Cup second round clash
Coaches of the UAE and Bahrain national teams say their squads are fully prepared for the Gulf Cup's second round match in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
AIUAE head coach Zlatko Dalic emphasized the importance of Tuesday’s match against Bahrain in the second round of Group B at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, stressing that his players are ready to secure a positive result and move closer to qualifying for the next stage.
Speaking at a press conference in Jeddah, Dalic said the UAE will face a strong opponent with experienced players and a distinguished technical staff. He noted that a win would be a significant step toward their primary goal of qualification, and called on his team to deliver a better performance than in the opening round.
Dalic added that the coaching staff has put the previous match against Yemen behind them and is now fully focused on facing Bahrain, working to capitalize on available opportunities and strengthen defensive solidity. He pointed out that the tournament features strong teams and that the race for qualification remains open to all sides.
UAE player Nicolas Gimenez also confirmed the squad’s readiness, stating that all participating teams are closely matched in level. He added that the UAE aims to continue its positive results and meet the expectations of its supporters.
Bahrain coach praises competition, confirms team’s readiness
For his part, Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match against the UAE, noting that the tournament has seen closely contested games and that all teams still have a chance to advance.
Talajic praised the UAE’s performance in their first match and expressed confidence in his own players’ ability to show improvement in Tuesday’s encounter, stressing the need to maintain focus and speed throughout the match and avoid giving the opponent any significant opportunities.
He also highlighted the strong bond between the Bahrain team and its fans, expressing hope for a performance that will satisfy Bahraini supporters, and commended the work of UAE coach Zlatko Dalic.
Bahrain player Mahdi Abduljabbar affirmed his team’s readiness, noting that recent training sessions have focused on addressing technical observations and improving finishing in front of goal. He emphasized the players’ confidence in the coaching approach and their determination to deliver their best in the upcoming match.