Mancini: Indonesia match is difficult and we need the fans' support for a perfect start

2024-09-04
14:51:12

The Saudi Arabia national team coach "Roberto Mancini" spoke at the press conference held this evening to talk about the Green Falcons' preparations to face the Indonesian national team in the first round of the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup,

"I think it will be a difficult match because we know the Indonesian national team very well, and it is also the first match, and the first matches in the qualifiers are always difficult." Mancini said.

"We know the Indonesian national team very well, as it has developed significantly in the last ten years. On the other hand, we must be fully prepared and confident in ourselves in order to be able to defeat our competitor.”, he added.

Mancini expressed his satisfaction with the current group of players, by saying: "I am happy with the players in our current camp, as they are a mix of experienced and young players. Some of them need more playing minutes. Overall, I am happy."

Regarding the fans' interest in the achieving a good result ahead of the performance, he said: "I certainly will not be happy if I do not achieve a positive result, but we are now in a new phase with a change in style and method."

"Playing abroad in European leagues is a good thing, not for me but for the Saudi players who has many upcoming events that require them to be more prepared.", he commented on the Saudi player's professionalism in foreign leagues.

Regarding the impact of lower ranked teams, he said : "We are not worried about that, but the Indonesian team is one of the developed teams and we have seen the development of their under-21 team who will be part of their first team, so we must respect the opponent and be fully prepared."

Mancini called on the fans to support the team, saying: "Tomorrow's match needs everyone's support, and the Jeddah fans are also known for their support and backing of their national team."

In the same context, Player Fahad Al-Muwallad spoke about the match, by saying: “It is a difficult match against a developed team, in addition to the difficulty of the first matches which are always important. On the other hand, we will work hard and diligently to achieve the full points of the match.”

"Tomorrow, September 5, is an unforgettable day in the history of the national team’s matches. We played against the Japanese national team in Jeddah and the stadium was full. In memory of that goal and qualifying for the World Cup, I hope that the same attendance will be repeated tomorrow.”, he added.