UAE coach Zlatko Dalic sets sights on Asia beyond Gulf Cup

Zlatko Dalic says his ambitions with United Arab Emirates extend beyond the Gulf Cup as he prepares for the decisive semi-final against Oman at Gulf Cup 27.

The Croatia manager spoke candidly about the UAE squad shortly before kick-off, in a conversation with Abu Dhabi Sports reporter Mohammed Al-Saieary at the stadium.

Dalic said he had arrived with very high expectations of the UAE national team, but added: “At least so far, I have got what I wanted.”

The Croatian coach praised the players’ performances in their previous matches and made clear that winning the Gulf Cup would be an important way to begin his tenure.

He said: “The group is good, but it needs a great deal of work to meet the ambitions and objectives agreed with the UAE Football Association. The first of those is to bring titles back to the UAE.”

Al-Saieary summarised Dalic’s outlook by saying: “The man has his eyes on Asia.”

Dalic was appointed UAE manager last August after leaving Croatia, who were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32.

The semi-final against Oman therefore represents an early opportunity for Dalic to challenge for silverware, but his comments indicate that his plans for the national team extend beyond the immediate Gulf Cup campaign.