Riyadh, March 20, 2024,Roberto Mancini, the coach of the Saudi national football team, underscored the significance of maintaining unwavering focus and concentration throughout every match, emphasizing the team's commitment to excellence.
In a press conference held today at Al Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, the venue for the upcoming match between the Saudi and Tajikistan national teams in the preliminary joint qualification for the World Cup 2026 and the Asian Cup 2027, Mancini shared insights into the team's preparation and mindset.
Discussing the impending match, Mancini remarked, "Tomorrow's game marks our first encounter since the last Asian Cup. We're up against a formidable opponent that has demonstrated prowess in previous Asian Championships. Tajikistan boasts players with impressive physicality and technical skills, making this an undoubtedly challenging fixture. However, our aim remains clear: securing victory and maintaining our lead."
"Our objective," Mancini emphasized, "is to approach each game with respect for our opponents and strive for excellence on the field. Winning and maintaining our position atop the group standings are paramount."
Acknowledging the exceptional talent within the squad and their grasp of his tactical principles, Mancini noted the absence of certain players due to injuries, affirming that any eligible player has the opportunity to represent the national team.
While acknowledging the team's disappointment at being eliminated in the 16th round of the previous Asian Cup, Mancini expressed confidence in the team's readiness to progress in the qualifiers, highlighting their ability to create scoring opportunities and emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on them to secure goals.
