Talajic Calls For Bahrain Response

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Coach targets Khaleeji 27 turnaround as Reds prepare for UAE test

Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic has called on his players to respond to their opening Gulf Cup setback when the defending champions face the UAE tomorrow in Jeddah.

The Reds enter their second Group B encounter seeking their first points after a 2-0 defeat to Qatar, with kick-off set for 9pm at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

Talajic offered his assessment of the opener after a contest that remained goalless until Boualem Khoukhi broke the deadlock in the 61st minute.

Qatar were reduced to 10 men when Ahmed Fathy received a second yellow card in the 70th minute, but the Bahrainis were unable to capitalise before Abbas Al Asfoor was also dismissed late on. Hassan Al Haydos converted the resulting penalty to seal the result.

“We performed well in the first half and were positive, but some individual mistakes affected our concentration and cost us goals,” Talajic said.

“We had hoped for a better start to the tournament, but we have to learn from our mistakes, focus on the coming matches and trust in our ability to produce a better level.”

With two group fixtures remaining, the Croatian remains determined to turn the title defence around.

“We still have two matches and six points to play for,” he added. “We will fight to bounce back, achieve two victories and make our Bahraini supporters happy.”

UAE Focus

Attention has now shifted to an Emirati side who made an emphatic start with a 4-0 victory over Yemen.

Preparations continued yesterday with a split programme following the Qatar match. Players who did not feature trained as normal, while those involved underwent a recovery session at the team hotel.

The squad will hold their main training session today, with Talajic also due to address the media at 12pm alongside striker Mahdi Abduljabbar.

Tomorrow’s Group B action begins with Qatar taking on Yemen at 6.55pm before Bahrain and the UAE meet at 9pm.

The kingdom then complete their group campaign against Yemen on Wednesday, with the top two sides advancing to the semi-finals on October 3.

Elsewhere in the tournament today, Kuwait face Iraq at 6.55pm before Oman take on Saudi Arabia at 9pm in the second round of Group A fixtures.