Baghdad – IA - Ali Al-Maliki
Coach and technical analyst Ahmed Khalaf confirmed that the draw for the 26th Gulf Cup Championship, which will be held in Kuwait, produced two groups that were close in terms of level.
Khalaf told the (INA), today, Sunday: “The Gulf 26 draw produced two groups close in level, with the exception of the Yemen and Kuwait teams, which are considered the weakest link in the two groups,” indicating that “the remaining six Gulf teams, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, have chances.” “Relatively equal, but Iraq’s confrontation with Saudi Arabia may be the most difficult for our team, but it remains a balanced confrontation.”
Khalaf added, “The features of the team did not determine whether it would participate with the first team or with another squad, stressing that the main focus should be on the World Cup qualifiers, which are more important than the Gulf Championship,” pointing out that “the timing of the tournament is outside Iraq.” “In conjunction with the global qualifiers, it puts a lot of pressure on the players, especially since the tournament is considered a secondary participation compared to the importance of the qualifiers.”
Khalaf continued, “It is first for Iraq to participate in the Gulf Cup with players who were not present in the last matches of the national team, with the aim of preserving the main players for the qualifying matches, which require great effort and may cause the players to become tired and exposed to injuries. In addition, the tournament is an appropriate opportunity to prepare reserve players and develop them.” Their skills, which gives the technical staff the opportunity to discover new players and better prepare the team for the upcoming qualifying stages.”
The draw for the Arabian Gulf Cup placed our team in the second group, facing Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have a special guest, Ahmed Khalaf, a renowned coach and technical analyst in the field of sports. Ahmed, thank you for joining us.
Ahmed Khalaf: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The draw for the 26th Gulf Cup Championship just took place in Kuwait. What was your initial reaction to the groups?
Khalaf: I was quite impressed with the way the draw turned out. The two groups seem very balanced in terms of team strength, which should lead to some exciting matches. The only notable difference I see is with the Yemen and Kuwait teams, who may face a tougher competition.
Editor: It sounds like the competition is shaping up to be quite intense. Can you elaborate on why you think Yemen and Kuwait stand out from the rest?
Khalaf: Certainly. Yemen and Kuwait have had various challenges in recent years compared to some of the other teams. Kuwait has undergone a rebuilding phase and is still finding its stride, while Yemen has developed significantly but often faces hurdles due to infrastructure and experience at the international level.
Editor: Interesting points. What key factors do you think will influence the performance of these teams in the tournament?
Khalaf: There are several critical factors. Team cohesion and preparation will play significant roles. Additionally, the mental aspect of the game cannot be overlooked—how players handle pressure, especially in close matches, can make a difference. Injuries and player form will also be pivotal as the tournament progresses.
Editor: Given the competitive nature of the Gulf Cup, which teams do you think will emerge as front-runners?
Khalaf: Based on historical performance and current form, I would say teams like Iraq and Saudi Arabia are always strong contenders. The Emirati team has also shown promise. That said, it’s crucial to keep an eye on surprises; tournaments often bring unexpected results.
Editor: Definitely! Tournaments bring out the best and sometimes the most surprising in teams. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the organizers of the Gulf Cup this year?
Khalaf: Given the recent focus on safety and logistics in major tournaments worldwide, ensuring that all matches run smoothly while prioritizing fan safety will be crucial. Additionally, coordinating between teams and maintaining schedules amidst potential delays could be challenging.
Editor: Very valid points. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to the fans who are excited about this year’s Gulf Cup Championship?
Khalaf: I’d like to tell the fans to embrace the spirit of the game. The Gulf Cup is not just about winning; it’s about bringing together diverse cultures through football. Enjoy the matches, support your teams, and appreciate the beautiful moments that football brings, regardless of the outcome.
Editor: That’s a fantastic sentiment! Thank you, Ahmed, for sharing your insights with us today. We’re looking forward to an exciting Gulf Cup Championship.
Khalaf: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well. Let the games begin!