Donis backs Saudi Arabia’s squad and spirit to win Gulf Cup 27

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis believes his side’s quality and determination can carry them to the Gulf Cup 27 title when they face United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s final at the Radiant Jewel Stadium in Jeddah.

The Greek coach said his players had shown the character required to complete their campaign with victory on home soil.

“We have players with great ability and a strong spirit, and they are giving everything they have to achieve victory,” Donis said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.

Saudi Arabia reached the final after overcoming Qatar in their previous match, a game Donis described as a difficult test against opponents who relied heavily on defensive organisation.

“Every match is different from the one before it,” he said. “In our previous game, we played against a difficult team such as Qatar. It was not easy to beat a side that depends on defending, especially with the conditions and atmosphere being very challenging.

“We have played four demanding matches in 14 days.”

Donis said set-pieces would be a major focus against United Arab Emirates, while also stressing the need for the correct decisions in both defence and attack.

“In the final, we will focus heavily on set-pieces,” he added. “We will make sure we choose the best options in both defensive and attacking situations.

“We have to create chances inside the penalty area in order to score and achieve victory.”

Saudi Arabia captain Mohamed Kanno also said the squad was ready for the decisive fixture and remained determined to lift the trophy.

“We are ready for this final,” Kanno said. “We know that reaching this stage was one of our goals and ambitions, and we are aiming to win the cup.

“As players, we carry out the coaching staff’s instructions on the pitch in order to achieve our objectives.”

Kanno called on the team to follow Donis’ game plan and praised the support Saudi Arabia received during the semi-final against Qatar.

“We must apply the coach’s plan in the required way,” he said. “The fans did not let us down against Qatar in the previous match. They were like a 12th player, and we hope they attend in large numbers on Tuesday and continue to support us.”

Saudi Arabia’s semi-final victory was settled by a penalty shootout, but Kanno said the players wanted to avoid another shootout in the final.

“In the previous match, we reached a penalty shootout and managed to win,” he said. “As everyone knows, penalty shootouts depend on luck.

“In the final, we will aim to decide the result during normal time.”