Vietnam and Yemen are most ‘difficult matches’: Iraq coach Srecko Katanec
Iraq manager Srecko Katanec is
confident that his players are fully committed and will give their everything
in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates.
The coach also opened up on his
group stage opponents and believes Vietnam and Yemen will be their biggest
threats. The Slovenian was appointed at the helm of affairs four months ago and
has since built up the squad to come into the tournament as one of the
favourites.
“I don’t talk about chances
because football is a very strange game. It has been just four months since I
have been with them. But what I know is that they are a very happy group and
they are fully committed,” he said in an interview with AFC’s official website.
When quizzed who would be the most
difficult opponents for Iraq, who have been drawn alongside Iran, Yemen and
Vietnam in one of the hardest groups in the tournament, he named the latter two
sides as ‘difficult matches’.
“Look, these days every match is
difficult. Why? Because you can have a bad day and lose what on paper should
have been an easy match. That is why I respect all teams. For me, as a coach,
the more difficult matches are against Yemen and Vietnam. They are also here to
show they belong. They will fight. We will fight. Nothing is easy.”
He was then asked what does he
think of Iraq’s chances in the continental showpiece, he said, “Many people and
even journalists ask me if Iraq will win the Cup. All I can say is that I am
here to do my best. About the results?
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