Lopetegui sets Qatar’s semi-final sights on UAE challenge

Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui says his side must give full attention to their match against the United Arab Emirates, despite already securing a place in the semi-finals of the Arab Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”.

The Spaniard recognises the UAE as one of the strongest contenders for the title and warned his players that the fixture would be far more than a formality. Qatar also have limited time to prepare for the match.

“We must be ready for the United Arab Emirates, who are among the leading candidates to win the title,” Lopetegui said at his pre-match news conference.

“We know we do not have enough time to prepare, but our focus will be on this game.”

Qatar’s qualification for the last four means the team’s wider objectives must also be managed, with Lopetegui keen to maintain the squad’s fitness while avoiding injuries.

“We have qualified for the semi-finals, but first we have to play the UAE,” he added. “We want to keep the group ready and avoid injuries, as well as work on preparing the players psychologically for the match.”

Lopetegui also expressed his satisfaction with Akram Afif’s contribution, particularly in the deeper position he has occupied during the tournament.

“Akram has made great sacrifices in the position he is playing in, and he is capable of scoring at any moment,” said Lopetegui.

“I am very happy with the level he has shown alongside his team-mates, and I am not concerned about him playing in a deeper role.”

The Qatar manager plans to watch Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Iraq as he assesses the possible semi-final opponents awaiting his team.

“I am a football lover, and I will watch the Saudi Arabia and Iraq match to identify the positive points in each team before our semi-final,” he said.

Al-Haydos leaves retirement date undecided

Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos said his team were prepared for a demanding contest against an improving UAE side, while refusing to set a date for the end of his own career.

“The UAE are a strong and renewed team, and our matches against them are always difficult,” Al-Haydos said.

“I played against giants of UAE football at the beginning of my career, such as Ismail Matar, Ali Mabkhout and Omar Abdulrahman. It is our duty as players to respect the opposition.”

The veteran midfielder was also asked whether he had decided when he would retire. Al-Haydos said there was no fixed timetable and that the decision would depend on whether he retained his desire to play.

“Continuing in football is a blessing from God, and there is no specific date for making the decision to retire,” he said.

“I always tell players that when the desire and passion end, a player can announce his retirement. Since I was young, I have loved tennis as well as football.”