By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-20 11:09:09
Roberto Mancini, the coach of the Saudi Arabia national football team, expressed his concerns and issued a warning to his team ahead of their match against Kyrgyzstan in the Asian Cup. After a hard-fought victory against Oman in their opening match, Mancini’s team is looking to secure their spot in the knockout rounds. Despite their current ranking of 56th in the world and being considered as contenders for the title, Mancini is not taking their upcoming match lightly.
Kyrgyzstan, ranked 98th in the world, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Thailand in their first match of the Asian Cup. However, Mancini pointed out the recent shock defeat of favorites Japan by lower-ranked Iraq as a reminder that anything can happen in football. He emphasized the need for his team to maintain good concentration in order to secure a win against Kyrgyzstan, acknowledging the difficulty of the upcoming match.
Mancini, who has been in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team since August last year, stressed the importance of time in building a successful team. Despite his relatively short time with the team, he remains ambitious and determined to make an impact. However, he acknowledged the challenges of managing a national team and the time constraints involved.
With a record of three wins, three losses, and one draw in his seven games in charge, Mancini understands that achieving success will not be easy. He urged his team to remain focused and committed to their goal of winning the title, while acknowledging the difficulties they may encounter along the way.
In conclusion, Mancini’s warning to his team reflects his understanding of the challenges they face in the Asian Cup. As they prepare to face Kyrgyzstan, Mancini’s emphasis on concentration and his recognition of the time required to build a successful team highlights his pragmatic approach and determination to lead Saudi Arabia to victory.
Read the original article on The Guardian
