Talajic backs Bahrain to retain Gulf crown
TDT | Manama
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Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic believes his players have what it takes to defend their Gulf Cup crown, but expects a stern test when the kingdom begins its campaign in Jeddah later this month.
Speaking exclusively to TDT ahead of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, the Croatian reflected on lessons from the past year and the importance of bringing through younger players.
The tournament runs from September 23 to October 6, with the Reds opening Group B against Qatar on September 24 before meeting the UAE three days later and Yemen on September 30.
“It will be difficult, but we will enjoy it,” Talajic said.
Family mentality His side travel to Saudi Arabia aiming to lift the trophy for a third time after dramatically securing their second in Kuwait in January 2025, coming from behind to defeat Oman 2-1 in the final.
For Talajic, however, that achievement belongs first and foremost to his players.
“I don’t want to talk about what it means to me personally. I’m not here to think about myself,” he said. “I’m the head coach of Bahrain, of the beautiful kingdom of Bahrain.
“I’m so proud of this trophy, but the credit goes to my players.”
Their character was evident in the final, when they trailed for more than an hour before two late goals completed the turnaround.
“I really like all my players like my sons,” he said. “I always say we are like one family, and we have to be.”
That bond will be tested again in Jeddah, although the circumstances have changed. This time, they arrive as defending champions rather than challengers, placing a target on their backs.
“We need to protect our trophy and bring it back home again,” Talajic said. “It will be very difficult.”
Yet the 61-year-old remains comfortable with the underdog tag, describing his team as a “dark horse” and insisting they will take the competition one game at a time.
Since their triumph in Kuwait, the nationals have gained valuable experience through the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, despite ultimately falling short.
“We have learned we can play good football against big teams, but we need to improve,” he said. “We have quality. But the most important thing is the mind. Winning mentality. We have to trust in ourselves.”
That belief also shapes how he views his leading players. Mohamed Marhoon was instrumental in their previous title success, but the coach does not want the team’s fortunes resting on one individual.
“Maybe Marhoon will be there again. Maybe it will be someone else,” he said. “We need some players individually to do something extra. But I don’t believe in individuals. I believe in groups.”
World Cup dream While the immediate challenge is retaining their crown, Talajic also has one eye on the longer-term ambition of finally reaching a World Cup.
Part of that challenge will be managing the transition to a new generation as several of his experienced players get older. The coach revealed that four or five youngsters are already pushing for places in the senior side, with others coming through the youth ranks.
“The future is bright. We are on the right path,” he said.
For that progress to continue, though, young players also need opportunities at club level.
Talajic understands why top clubs like Muharraq, Al Khaldiya and Riffa recruit foreign players, but admitted the limited opportunities for local talent concern him.
“When you see so few Bahraini players on the pitch, imagine how I feel,” he said. “This is my job as the national team coach.
“Please, give my boys a chance. They also deserve to be part of the success.”
He stressed that those opportunities must also be earned, challenging his players to fight for regular starting places at their clubs.
“Our dream cannot only be a dream. It must be our target,” he said.
Making history Before then comes the chance to make more history.
Talajic was keen to credit former coach Hélio Sousa for delivering the country’s breakthrough title in 2019, saying the Portuguese was the first to “put his name in the history of Bahrain”.
Having added a second crown under his own reign, the Croatian now has the opportunity to become the first coach to win the Gulf Cup twice in a row with Bahrain.
“Two times in a row will be something special,” Talajic said. “But we have to be honest. Go step by step.
“I believe in big support from Bahraini people. Bahraini people deserve to be happy.”
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