Can Giorgos Donis avoid Guardiola’s trap and lead Saudi Arabia to Gulf Cup glory?

Giorgos Donis has transformed Saudi Arabia’s style and guided them into the Gulf Cup 27 final, but his tendency to make bold tactical and selection changes could yet undermine their bid for a first major title in 23 years.

Saudi Arabia beat Qatar on penalties in the semi-final after a goalless draw over 120 minutes. They will face the United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s final, with supporters concerned that Donis may take unnecessary risks in the most important match of the tournament.

The Greek coach took charge roughly two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Since then, he has sought to give Saudi Arabia a new identity based on controlling matches and attacking opponents in a variety of ways.

That approach is a significant departure from the methods of his predecessor, Frenchman Herve Renard. Renard was often criticised by Saudi supporters for favouring a defensive style and allowing opponents to dominate possession, regardless of their strength.

Donis’s work has produced clear results at Gulf Cup 27. Saudi Arabia dominated Kuwait, Oman and Iraq, and also controlled much of the semi-final against Qatar despite failing to score.

The contrast is notable because Saudi Arabia had struggled against the same opponents only a few months earlier under Renard. Their progress under Donis suggests that the Greek coach’s efforts to reshape the side have begun to pay off.

A strength that could become a weakness

The main concern is not Donis’s ability to achieve success, but how he responds once it has been achieved. Rather than maintaining the structure that has delivered results, he frequently makes major individual and collective changes.

That characteristic is often associated with legendary Spanish manager Pep Guardiola, who has also faced criticism for altering successful teams and systems. Donis’s approach became particularly evident at the 2026 World Cup.

Against Uruguay in the opening round, Saudi Arabia made an excellent start, scored first and looked the better side. Donis then instructed the team to retreat after half-time, allowing Uruguay to create a succession of chances. Saudi Arabia avoided defeat largely because of goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, and the match finished 1-1.

In the following game, Donis abandoned the system the team had trained in throughout their preparations for the World Cup. He switched from four defenders to five, and Saudi Arabia suffered a 4-0 defeat in a one-sided match.

Donis has also made several changes during the current Gulf Cup, citing the need to rest players during a demanding schedule in which matches are being played every three days.

His most surprising decision came against Qatar, when he left out Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, who had started the previous three matches either as a full-back or winger. Donis also did not select Nawaf Boushal, who had started two of Saudi Arabia’s three group games, instead handing Mohammed Mahzari his debut for the national team.

Mahzari may not have been responsible for the draw or Saudi Arabia’s failure to score, but the decision reinforced concerns about Donis’s preference for unexpected changes.

Saudi Arabia are seeking their first title in 23 years. They last won the Gulf Cup in 2003 and have lost five finals since then.