JEDDAH, SEPT 22
Oman head coach Tarik Sektioui said the Red Warriors are ready for Gulf Cup 27, stressing that the team have entered a new phase with high ambitions and a clear vision for the future.
“Previous results must be taken into consideration. Oman have had strong campaigns in previous tournaments, but this is a different era,” Sektioui said during the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Iraq.
“We have a strong desire to make our fans happy and make them proud of their national team. We want them to come and support us in all the upcoming tournaments,” he said.
Sektioui added that Oman have reached a high level of readiness ahead of the competition, with the team prepared mentally, physically and in terms of team spirit.
IRAQ, A DEVELOPING SIDE
Speaking about Iraq, Sektioui described them as a developing team that have made several changes to the squad that featured at the last World Cup.
“Iraq are a developing team and have made several changes to the squad that played at the World Cup. We will be playing in the strongest group in the tournament,” he said.
Sektioui stressed that Oman respect all their opponents but will enter Wednesday’s match with a clear objective of securing victory and delivering a performance worthy of the national team and its supporters.
He also said that all Gulf teams have strong chances in this edition, given the competitive nature of the tournament and the closely matched levels among the participating teams.
ARNOLD CONFIDENT
Iraq's Australian coach Graham Arnold said his team have the quality and ability to compete for the Gulf Cup 27 title, highlighting the balance of experience and youth in the squad.
Several changes have been made to the coaching staff and playing squad, with a number of players set to make their Gulf Cup debut. Arnold said the team are focused on the future and see the tournament as an important competition for Iraqi football.
On the opening match against Oman, Arnold said Iraq had two days to prepare in Jeddah, with the focus on physical fitness and proper preparation.
He expressed confidence in his players’ ability to perform well against Oman and throughout the tournament.
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting Gulf Cup 27 and congratulated the country on its National Day.
Hussein said Iraqi fans in Jeddah would provide strong support for the team, adding that they consider Saudi Arabia their second home.
He described Oman as a respected opponent and said Iraq are determined to produce a performance worthy of the national team.
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