Coach Casas Appreciates Iraqi Players Despite Criticism
The coach of the Iraqi national team, Jesus Casas, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of striker Ayman Hussein and dismissed recent criticism during a press conference held after their 2-1 victory over Japan in the second round of the 2023 Asian Cup Finals.
The match took place on Friday, January 19th, at 3:25 PM GMT.
Casas praised Hussein’s contribution and emphasized his disregard for the negative comments directed at the team. He also expressed sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for his unwavering support of Iraqi sports.
“I am proud of the players and have great confidence in them,” Casas said. “We achieved victory today, but we must forget it and focus on the next match against Vietnam.”
The coach highlighted the team’s balanced approach, combining both fighting and skilled players, to create a strong combination. This strategy has been a focus since Casas took charge of the national team, evident in previous tournaments and friendly matches.
Looking ahead, Casas emphasized the importance of approaching each match individually and avoiding speculation about future opponents. He expressed confidence in his players and their ability to continue performing well in the next game.
Casas acknowledged the strong competition in the tournament, mentioning Japan, Korea, Iran, and Australia as likely contenders. However, he maintained a focus on the present, emphasizing that the victory over Japan, despite their strong lineup, does not guarantee the title.
The coach concluded his speech by expressing his support for his players and urging everyone to rally behind them. He acknowledged Hussein’s talent and dismissed the criticism directed at the team, expressing trust in his own abilities and those of his players.