Pizzi upbeat as Bahrainis continue Asian Cup preparations

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi expressed optimism yesterday as the Kingdom’s senior men’s national football team continues their final preparations for the fast-approaching AFC Asian Cup.

Speaking through a translator, Pizzi was quoted as saying that the team is upbeat ahead of the continental tournament, and that they have been working on the right path since day one.

The Argentinian tactician said he was pleased that his squad continued to develop day after day, and that they will do their best in the upcoming football showcase.

The Bahrainis are currently in Dubai for a final training camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, taking place from 12 January until 10 February.

It will be played in Doha with 24 national teams from across Asia taking part.

The nationals had a fitness session in the morning yesterday before heading to the pitch for technical work under Pizzi’s supervision.

Twenty-six players have been named onto the squad for the competition, almost all of whom are already with the team in their camp.

Star striker Abdulla Yusuf arrived yesterday from his club overseas, while the last player still to join, midfielder Mohammed Marhoon, is scheduled to reach the UAE today.

Bahrain are in Group E for the preliminary round along with South Korea, Malaysia and Jordan.

The nationals kick off their campaign against the South Koreans on 15 January at 2.30pm, and then take on their Malaysian counterparts on 20 January at 5.30pm.

They complete the preliminaries against Jordan on 25 January at 2.30pm. All times are Bahrain.