Saudi Arabia goalkeeper praises Donis’ work ahead of Qatar semi-final

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Abdulqudus Atiah says the impact of head coach Georgios Donis has been clear as the team prepares to face Qatar in the Gulf Cup semi-final.

Saudi Arabia will meet the reigning Asian champions at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, with a place in the final at stake.

“We hope to win and be successful against Qatar,” Atiah told Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah. “We are facing an experienced team that are Asian champions, but we hope to follow the coach’s instructions and that luck will be on our side.”

Qatar have reached the last four after establishing themselves as a highly experienced side, while Saudi Arabia have made a perfect start to the tournament. The Green Falcons won all three of their group matches against Kuwait, Oman and Iraq without conceding a goal.

Atiah said representing Saudi Arabia remained an ambition for every player and insisted he was ready whenever he was required, regardless of when he joined the squad.

“Every player’s ambition is to represent his country,” he said. “I am ready at any time, whether I was called up at the beginning of the tournament or not. I have to come and do what is required of me, whether I arrive early or late.”

Donis’ message ‘clear’ to players

The goalkeeper acknowledged that Donis had not had a long period to work with the squad between matches, meaning the players had to absorb his instructions quickly.

“The coach has not spent a long time with us from one match to the next, so the player must stay focused and receive the information more quickly,” Atiah said.

“Donis’ work has been clear to everyone in the last three matches, and I hope it will be rewarded with victory in tomorrow’s game.”

Saudi Arabia’s defensive record has been one of the notable features of their campaign, but Atiah played down the importance of statistics ahead of the knockout stage.

“We are not concerned with numbers and statistics,” he said. “They are for analysts and the media. Even though we did not concede a goal in the group stage, that does not necessarily mean the same thing will happen in the knockout rounds.

“However, we hope to be successful.”