Oman journalist urges Tarek Al-Saktioui to make tougher decisions after Gulf Cup exit

Oman journalist Issa Saeed has criticised Tarek Al-Saktioui’s management during the Gulf Cup 27 and called on the coach to take firmer action against players who are not contributing to the team.

Oman were beaten 1-0 by United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s semi-final at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. The result sent United Arab Emirates through to a final meeting with Saudi Arabia.

Saeed said Al-Saktioui had not convinced him during the tournament, particularly with his reactions during matches and the way he dealt with mistakes. However, he stressed that his criticism did not mean the Moroccan was unsuitable for the Oman national team.

“Tarek Al-Saktioui is a very suitable coach for us, but he must act firmly,” Saeed wrote on his account on X. “Any player who does not provide an addition should be left out.”

Saeed also questioned Al-Saktioui’s decision to use Jameel Al Yahmadi as a holding midfielder when Ahed Al-Meshaikhi and Musab Al-Shaqsi were available in that position.

He asked whether the coach believed Al-Meshaikhi and Al-Shaqsi were unable to provide what was required, or whether he considered Al Yahmadi capable of offering more in the role.

The journalist also criticised the performances of Harib Al-Saadi and Abdullah Fawaz, describing their displays as “a very strange story”.

Saeed said both players had suffered a decline in form and appeared to have lost confidence. He accused them of avoiding taking possession and failing to complete passes.

His criticism extended beyond individual players, with Saeed questioning what he described as a lack of character among Oman’s squad.

He said he had not seen a player with enough leadership to give team-mates confidence or stand up for their rights on the pitch.

Saeed then addressed Oman’s younger players, warning them not to copy more experienced team-mates without making their own judgement.

He argued that some senior players had become accustomed to failure and that younger members of the squad would end up with the same outcome if they continued to follow their example.

In a message posted on 3 October 2026, Saeed reiterated that his assessment of Al-Saktioui was personal and focused on the coach’s performance at the tournament.

“Captain Tarek Al-Saktioui did not convince me in the tournament, and I did not like his reactions or his handling of mistakes,” he wrote. “Does that mean he is not a suitable coach for our national team? Of course not. He is very suitable for us, but he must act firmly. Any player who does not provide an addition should be excluded.”

The defeat ended Oman’s run in Gulf Cup 27, while United Arab Emirates secured their place in the final against Saudi Arabia.