Jaber hopes Oman’s success will put more faith in Arab coaches ahead of Gulf Cup Final
The Oman head coach, Rasheed Jaber has urged the region’s football associations to place more trust in Arab coaches ahead of his team’s Khaleeji Zain 26 final against Bahrain in Kuwait on Saturday.
Jaber has proven himself as a master tactician, orchestrating victories over powerhouse teams like Qatar and Saudi Arabia during a thrilling two-week tournament that began on 21 December, 2024.
His chargers topped Group A and remain unbeaten, but the topic of foreign coaches was brought up during the eve of the final press conference.
Jaber stated that he doesn’t think there is enough trust in Arab managers. Football associations need to focus on them and make a change. Twenty-five years ago, there were great Arab managers who achieved great results, and there should be more opportunities for managers from one’s own countries.
Historically, there is little to separate the teams heading into the final, with Oman winning 12 times and Bahrain 11. Seventeen encounters have ended in a draw, but Oman, having reached the final last time, is confident of adding to their two previous Gulf titles.
Jaber mentioned that he respects Bahrain, and they being a strong team have played well here. Preparations have been good as most of the time has been spent on rehabilitation because this is the end of a tough schedule. It’s the final stretch of the tournament, and need to finish with a positive result.
Mandhar Al-Alawi will miss the match due to the red card he received in the semi-final victory over Saudi Arabia, but central defender Mohammed Al-Musalami is confident that his teammates are well-positioned to claim the championship at the expected sold-out Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
Jaber categorically quoted that most of the Omani players have played in Iraq at the last tournament, so they have the experience of playing in a final, but haven’t yet experienced winning one, and that’s what they must achieve tomorrow night.
Bahrain coach praises his “unbelievable group of sons”
The Bahrain head coach, Dragan Talajic has praised his “unbelievable group of sons” ahead of what promises to be a blockbuster Khaleeji Zain 26 final at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait on Saturday night.
Bahrain have made an impressive run to the final, topping Group B, with victories over Iraq and Saudi Arabia, before defeating hosts Kuwait in the semi-final.
However, the 2019 winners face a strong Oman team that reached the final last time in Iraq, remains unbeaten in Kuwait, and is bidding for their third Gulf title.
Talajic said they respect Oman a lot. The Omani team is playing great football, and we have been watching them, and beating Saudi Arabia in the semi-final was a huge achievement, so Mabrouk (congratulations) to them for winning a tough group. It will be a very difficult final.
Furthermore, Talajic emphasized that his boys (Bahraini team) will make history. They are an unbelievable group of sons. They will play for the Kingdom and for themselves. There is big pressure on the team, but it has been an incredible 20 days with no problems between my sons, and he is proud of the Bahraini team for the way they have played to reach the final.
Mahdi Abduljabber will miss the final due to suspension after his red card in the semi-final, and there are several injury concerns, but the experienced Croatian coach is confident of his squad.
Talajic concluded that there is no secret to what the Bahraini team does. It’s all about hard work. They are excellent players and one family.
The “Khaleeji Zain 26” (Gulf Cup) final is scheduled to kick-off on Saturday, 4 January, at 7.00pm (Kuwait time).
