Saudi Arabia manager Fahad Al-Mufarrij: ‘We are not a one-star team’

Saudi Arabia manager Fahad Al-Mufarrij said the team’s fourth Arabian Gulf Cup title was achieved through collective effort, insisting that success had not depended on one individual player.

Speaking to Qatar’s Al Kass channels after the triumph, Al-Mufarrij praised the squad’s attitude and said the players had demonstrated unity throughout the tournament.

“I always tell the national team players that they must not become arrogant,” he said. “However far you reach as a player, you must remain humble and not let pride take over.”

He added: “We are not a one-star team. The evidence is winning the title and the wonderful spirit shown by all the players. I thank them for everything.”

Al-Mufarrij had introduced several strict disciplinary measures during the team’s preparations. Among them was a rule preventing Saudi Arabia players from using their mobile phones after midnight.

He also left Musab Al-Juwayr out at the beginning of the training camp. The Saudi Football Federation did not disclose the actual reason for the player’s exclusion.

As a result, some interpreted Al-Mufarrij’s comments about humility and the importance of the group as an indirect message aimed at Al-Juwayr.

Saudi Arabia secured the Arabian Gulf Cup for the fourth time in its history by beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0.