Qatar Coach: Our Goal is to Compete in Gulf Cup 27, Aiming to Deliver Best Against Bahrain

Jeddah, September 23 (KUNA) -- Qatar national football team coach Julian Lopetegui stressed on Wednesday that his team’s focus is on competing for the title of the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup of Nations (Gulf 27), emphasizing that the tournament is an end in itself and not merely a preparatory step for the upcoming Asian Cup. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Qatar’s match against Bahrain, the Spanish coach said the Qatari squad is well prepared for the tournament and is eager to deliver its best performance against Bahrain, the defending champions, adding that the players feel energized and enthusiastic for the clash. Congratulating the Saudi people on their National Day, he called it “an exceptional day” and expressed his happiness at participating in the tournament and his team’s readiness for their opening match. Addressing Bahrain’s recent dominance in head-to-head encounters, Lopetegui noted that Qatar has won only once in their last meetings, but stressed that history belongs to the past and that his team is focused on the present and aims to change those figures. He added that the Bahraini national team possesses quality and strength, and is led by a coach who is doing a good job, acknowledging that Qatar is fully aware of this and will give its utmost effort in the match. (End) KH N SH / T M A