Bahrain seek Gulf Cup consolation

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain will look to salvage some pride from a disappointing Khaleeji 27 campaign when they face fellow eliminated side Yemen tonight at 8.30pm at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

The defending champions arrived in Jeddah hoping to retain the crown they won in Kuwait in January, but a 2-0 defeat to Qatar followed by a 3-0 loss to the UAE ended their title defence with a game to spare.

Yemen are also pointless after defeats to the same opponents, while neither side has scored in the tournament.

Head coach Dragan Talajic speaks at yesterday's press conference

Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic cut a frustrated figure at yesterday's pre-match press conference, accepting responsibility for the results while demanding a response from his players in their final Group B outing.

"We made the fans sad and we have to make the Bahraini people happy," said the Croatian.

"I always support my players, but now everything will change because I did not see the passion and motivation from my players that we had in Kuwait."

Talajic was also unhappy with the manner in which his side responded to Sunday's defeat.

"I want to cry like a baby, but habibi, I am 60 years old," he said. "My players went out without showing any emotion. This is not Bahrain. Our fans deserve much better."

Changes are expected tonight, with younger players set to receive opportunities. Talajic singled out 22-year-old Ali Al Doseri after handing him 45 minutes against the UAE.

"I can say that he will be a big player for Bahraini football over the next 10 years," Talajic said.

Al Doseri, who joined his coach at the press conference, reflected on his first Gulf Cup experience.

"I have benefited a lot from the experienced players," he said. "They helped me settle in and I feel part of the team's family."

Despite elimination, the youngster stressed that Bahrain respect Yemen and remain determined to finish their campaign with a victory.

Group B's other match will see the UAE face Qatar simultaneously at 8.30pm at Al Inma Stadium, with both sides already assured of places in the semi-finals.