Graham Arnold Reassures Iraqi Fans Ahead of Bahrain Match
Iraqi national team coach Graham Arnold held an important press conference this evening, less than 24 hours before the opening match of the Lions of Mesopotamia in the Arab Cup Qatar 2025, where Iraq will face their Bahraini counterparts at Stadium 974 as part of the first round.
Arnold spoke with great confidence about his team's readiness despite numerous absences, affirming that the team has enough quality to perform strongly in the tournament.
Arnold said: "I am happy to be in Qatar to participate in the Arab Cup. The atmosphere here is special and resembles the World Cup atmosphere, and as usual, the organization is excellent. For us, the tournament is an important opportunity to discover new players who have not had enough playing time in the qualifiers."
He added: "We are here to serve Iraq first and foremost. Some players who were with us previously did not get their chance, and this tournament is the perfect timing for them to prove their abilities and demonstrate that they are ready to represent the national team."
Arnold pointed out: "We will give every player the opportunity to express themselves. We know the matches will not be easy, but we will do everything we can to appear in a manner worthy of Iraq's name and the fans' ambitions."
He continued: "I say to the fans and the media, there is no need to worry. I take full responsibility for the results. What we are focusing on now is the style of play and building trust among the players, and I am confident they will give their best."
Regarding the historical challenge against Bahrain, Arnold confirmed: "This is not a negative issue, but rather an additional motivation. We know the value of Bahrain as a strong team, but I trust my players and their ability to deliver a great match. Our goal is clear: to win and secure the three points."
He continued: "The presence of Iraqi fans in the stands gives the players huge motivation. We have an important opportunity for local players to prove their worth, and I am excited to see what they will offer."
The Australian coach concluded his statements by saying: "We have a great responsibility. We have previously played against many Gulf teams, and today we want to show our best. We ask the fans to stand with us because their support always makes a difference."
Arnold spoke with great confidence about his team's readiness despite numerous absences, affirming that the team has enough quality to perform strongly in the tournament.
Arnold said: "I am happy to be in Qatar to participate in the Arab Cup. The atmosphere here is special and resembles the World Cup atmosphere, and as usual, the organization is excellent. For us, the tournament is an important opportunity to discover new players who have not had enough playing time in the qualifiers."
He added: "We are here to serve Iraq first and foremost. Some players who were with us previously did not get their chance, and this tournament is the perfect timing for them to prove their abilities and demonstrate that they are ready to represent the national team."
Arnold pointed out: "We will give every player the opportunity to express themselves. We know the matches will not be easy, but we will do everything we can to appear in a manner worthy of Iraq's name and the fans' ambitions."
He continued: "I say to the fans and the media, there is no need to worry. I take full responsibility for the results. What we are focusing on now is the style of play and building trust among the players, and I am confident they will give their best."
Regarding the historical challenge against Bahrain, Arnold confirmed: "This is not a negative issue, but rather an additional motivation. We know the value of Bahrain as a strong team, but I trust my players and their ability to deliver a great match. Our goal is clear: to win and secure the three points."
He continued: "The presence of Iraqi fans in the stands gives the players huge motivation. We have an important opportunity for local players to prove their worth, and I am excited to see what they will offer."
The Australian coach concluded his statements by saying: "We have a great responsibility. We have previously played against many Gulf teams, and today we want to show our best. We ask the fans to stand with us because their support always makes a difference."
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