Al-Khatib: Dissatisfied with the White House's performance

Firas Al-Khatib, head coach of Al-Kuwait’s first football team, expressed his dissatisfaction with his side’s performance despite their 1-0 victory over Al-Jahra in the third round of the Zain Premier League.

Speaking after the match, Al-Khatib said: “Al-Abyad (The Whites) made things difficult for themselves by failing to capitalize on the numerous chances created in the first half, which amounted to six or seven clear scoring opportunities. We also missed four chances in the second half, so it is natural that we came under pressure, and it is possible to concede a goal from a single dangerous opportunity that slipped through.”

Al-Khatib expressed great respect for his counterpart at Al-Jahra, national coach Ahmed Abdul-Karim, affirming that he had built a respectable and organized team with a distinguished group of players.

Regarding his attacking substitutions, Al-Khatib clarified that Al-Kuwait is always expected to play an attacking style and deliver attractive football, not just secure victories. He noted that his team’s performance was better in the first half than in the second, during which Al-Abyad did not perform as expected.

Al-Khatib indicated that the Kuwaiti side has now shifted its focus to the upcoming match against UAE’s Al-Ittihad Kalba in Abu Dhabi on the 16th, which marks the start of Group 1 in the 2022 AFC Champions League Two. He emphasized that it is a tough fixture and must be prepared for in the best possible manner.

Concluding his remarks on the continental tournament, Al-Khatib said: “I have full confidence in the squad at my disposal, and if they give their best, we will have a strong presence in this competition.”

Group 1 in the 2022 AFC Champions League Two also includes Uzbekistan’s Nasaf Qarshi and Bahrain’s Al-Khalidiya.