Sousa: Work will continue to develop the national team

National team coach Hélio Sousa said that the technical staff’s goal is not to win one or two matches, but to build a national team capable of triumphing in tournaments, emphasizing the need to focus on the present and develop a generation able to compete and progress in upcoming fixtures. At a press conference held ahead of the Blue’s match against Oman in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, Sousa stated that the technical staff is working to raise the level of the national team and narrow the gap with other national sides. He noted that the Saudi Pro League is among the best leagues in the world, featuring high-caliber players alongside Saudi professionals playing in Europe, and highlighted that Gulf teams such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are competing in international tournaments. He stressed the importance of acknowledging these differences and working to overcome them. Sousa pointed out that the national team has young players capable of delivering more in the coming competitions, underscoring the need to support them and help them improve day by day, rather than focusing solely on results without considering playing style and performance levels. He added that the technical staff works around the clock to develop the team, and while results may not always come as desired, this is a normal aspect of football. He questioned whether the criticism would have been as harsh had the team converted one of its chances against Iraq and secured a victory.