The UAE recently secured a decisive victory over Yemen, but head coach Zlatko Dalic remains firmly grounded. With the next match against Bahrain looming, his focus has shifted entirely to this critical encounter, which could potentially pave the way for the UAE’s advancement into the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”.
Dalic’s Focus on Bahrain: A Crucial Encounter
Zlatko Dalic emphasized the importance of the upcoming match during a pre-game press conference, asserting that his team recognizes the challenge ahead. “We are preparing to face a formidable opponent,” he stated. “We must put forth our best effort to secure a win.” Dalic spoke highly of the Bahrain national team, noting their considerable experience and the skills of their coaching staff.
Dalic articulated that a victory over Bahrain would confirm the UAE’s spot in the semi-finals, underscoring his desire for a stronger performance than in their previous match. “While we earned a significant win against Yemen, every match carries its own significance,” he noted. “Triumphing tomorrow will fulfill our immediate objective.” He acknowledged Bahrain’s solid performance in their last game and reinforced the need for his team to elevate their game as well.
Holding on to past results isn’t beneficial, Dalic added. “We must put the Yemen match behind us and turn our attention to the challenge of Bahrain. It’s essential to capitalize on our opportunities and strengthen our defense,” he commented. Moreover, he expressed hope that the team could replicate their attacking prowess from the Yemen match, ultimately aiming for qualification in the upcoming game.
No Favorites: Pressure Off the Players
Dalic refrained from labeling the UAE as title contenders, focusing on achieving semi-final qualification without adding undue pressure to his players. “We are not the favorites for this tournament, and I aim for us to reach the semi-finals without burdening the players with expectations,” he explained. His perspective is rooted in a realistic assessment of the competition, recognizing the strength of teams like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“The public understandably desires the best from us, but my priority is to shield our players from unnecessary stress,” he continued. He believes maintaining a step-by-step mindset is crucial for success, thereby dismissing any label as frontrunners. The Croatian coach reiterated the importance of acknowledging the significant challenges presented by rival teams.
Building New Memories: Dalic Sets Ambitions with the UAE
Nostalgic reflections of his time with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal emerged as Dalic highlighted his aspirations with the UAE. “I cherish the memories I made during my time with Al-Hilal,” he stated, expressing a desire to replicate that success with his current team. His love for the game and commitment to developing the squad are evident in his remarks.
Jimenez: Commitment to Fans and Team Goals
UAE player Nicolas Jimenez echoed the sentiments expressed by Dalic, agreeing on the formidable nature of the Bahrain match. He acknowledged the significance of the Gulf Cup and the strength of all participating teams. “As the coach mentioned, this match presents a challenge, and competing in this tournament is a crucial opportunity for us,” Jimenez asserted.
He emphasized the importance of analyzing their previous game to ensure preparedness for Bahrain, highlighting teamwork and the collective aim to please the fans. “Representing such a great national team is a privilege, and we are committed to making both the supporters and our coach proud,” he stated. Jimenez also extended gratitude to fans for their backing, promising that the team would exert maximum effort to bring them joy in the upcoming match.