Sousa: We are capable of facing any opponent
Helio Sousa affirmed the national team's readiness to face Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup 27, emphasizing their ambition to compete and continuous development.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Kuwait’s “Blue” coach, Portuguese manager Helio Sousa, affirmed that the national team is in the best possible condition for its opening match in Gulf Cup 27 against Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the team’s ambitions extend beyond mere participation to competing with all participating squads. This came during a press conference held by Sousa alongside national team player Fahad Al-Hajeri at the tournament’s media center.
Sousa stated that the team’s preparatory camp had been productive, adding, “We are building a team to compete in the upcoming Asian Cup, and everything we do is directed toward that goal.” He noted that the team will face strong opponents, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation and playing challenging matches that contribute to the team’s development and enhance its competitive capacity.
He pointed out that the technical staff is working to elevate the team’s level, explaining that comparing the Blue’s performance in recent periods with their current form reveals the extent of progress achieved. He added, “We are still in the building phase, and we aim to win and develop, striving to be the best version of ourselves every day, which is what we are working on with the players.”
Sousa highlighted efforts to establish a new identity and playing style for the national team, which will help it reach the status it deserves. He praised the players’ efforts and stressed the importance of providing them with stability and comfort to continue developing and delivering better performances.
Regarding the opening clash, he said the Saudi team boasts a strong history in the tournament, noting that each national team has its own experiences and circumstances, and that Kuwait looks forward to the start of the competition to showcase the progress it has made. He confirmed that Saudi Arabia is a strong team with internationally experienced players alongside a robust domestic league featuring high-level talent.
He added, “From my first day with the national team, we have been working to build a squad capable of defeating any opponent,” noting that facing Saudi Arabia on their home turf, in front of their fans, and in a tournament enjoying significant momentum requires special preparation.
He continued, “We are the most successful winners of this tournament, but we have many challenges and must always evolve. It is 2026, and while we are proud of our past achievements, we have not yet reached the level we desire. The good news is that we are moving in the right direction.”
