Donis targets Saudi glory, Dalic seeks UAE title

JEDDAH: The host Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf Cup 27 final on Tuesday, October 6, at 10: 00 pm Oman time
Both sides expressed confidence and strong ambition to lift the Gulf Cup trophy during Monday’s pre-match press conference at the media centre at the Hilton Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis highlighted the importance of the team’s spirit as the hosts prepare for the decisive encounter.
“We will face a very organised team, with good players and a coach who is very clear tactically. I expect a strong and difficult match.”
The Greek coach said: 'Our preparations had focused on defensive organisation, high pressing, building from the back and improving movements in the final third.”
“We want to be one group of 11 players, from the striker to the goalkeeper. We need to be close together and organised, with every player ready to follow the tactical instructions,” Donis added.
Donis also stressed that “The small details could decide the final, while admitting that the physical condition of the players would be an important factor after a demanding tournament schedule.”

“The most important point for us is the high spirit. All the players are ready to fight for every ball and cover the spaces,” he said.
Saudi Arabia reached the final after overcoming Qatar in a tense semifinal that went beyond 90 minutes.
Donis acknowledged the physical demands of playing five matches in 14 days, saying: “The medical and technical staff would assess the players before deciding the final line-up.”
The UAE, meanwhile, enter the final with coach Zlatko Dalic confident that his players can rise to the occasion.
“Tuesday’s match will be the easiest game because it is the final. I hope the players enjoy the match, as well as the fans in the stadium and those watching on television,” Dalic said.
The Croatian coach said his team had used the 24 hours available to prepare themselves and praised the support of the UAE fans.
“We have great confidence in our players and their ability to win the title. We will try to take advantage of every opportunity we get,” he stated.

Dalic also acknowledged the strength of Saudi Arabia, calling for maximum concentration and defensive discipline.
“We know our opponent is strong and difficult, but we have to be at the highest level of concentration and presence defensively,” he added.
The UAE coach, who took charge with the ambition of achieving success with the national team, said he was eager to begin his journey with a trophy.
“I specifically want to achieve success with the UAE. This is a big challenge for me, and I want to start my journey by winning the championship,” Dalic said.
The final will be played at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City with 60,000 spectators.
All tickets were sold out shortly after they went on sale, underlining the strong interest in the decisive encounter between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
A total of $1.5 million in prize money will be awarded to the top two teams, with the winners of the 27th edition receiving $1 million and the runners-up taking $500,000.
The Best Player will also receive an apartment provided by strategic partner Al Diyar Al Arabiya Real Estate Development Company in Saudi Arabia.