Hossam Fawzi: We Need a Winning Mentality Against Najaf and We Apologize to Our Fans

Al-Zawraa Club held its press conference for the upcoming match against Najaf at the conclusion of the Iraqi Stars League, attended by the team's coach Hossam Fawzi and goalkeeper Ali Jad'an. The discussion was clear and direct: there is no way to compensate for a difficult season except with a victory worthy of the Al-Nawaris' history and ensuring their participation in the Super Cup next season.

Coach Al-Zawraa began by emphasizing the importance of focus, saying: 'We need high concentration from everyone in facing the Najaf team. The last match of the season must conclude in a manner worthy of Al-Zawraa's name, and the players are well aware of this.'

Fawzi revealed the team's biggest motivation for this match, which is securing a spot in the Iraqi Super Cup, a tournament that brings together the league and cup champions. He added: 'We have a strong incentive to win in order to participate in the Super Cup. Fourth place gives us this advantage, but we do not want to enter the tournament with shaky morale after two consecutive losses.'

The coach asked his players to turn the page on everything that happened during the season of fluctuation and unexpected results, emphasizing the necessity of entering the match with a new mentality: 'We must forget what happened this season and enter with a winning mentality. One match does not correct everything, but it at least restores some confidence to the players and fans.'

Fawzi did not forget the Al-Zawraa fans who suffered greatly this season and offered a direct apology to them: 'We apologize to our great fans who were the biggest victims this season. They deserve better than fourth place and better than fluctuating performance, and we promise them to work from now to compensate them next season.'

Regarding the reasons for the team's decline, the coach pointed to the factor of missing international players: 'Al-Zawraa was the most affected among the clubs due to having five players with the national team for long periods. Losing this number of key players in important matches affected harmony and results, but this does not negate our responsibility.'

Al-Zawraa goalkeeper Ali Jad'an confirmed his team's full respect for Najaf despite its official relegation, saying: 'We respect the Najaf team and its fans, and our goal is to achieve victory. There is no easy match in the Stars League, and even the relegated teams are capable of presenting a big match against a name as big as Al-Zawraa.'

Jad'an clarified that the players' motivation is not limited to points only but also to representing the club's emblem in the best way: 'We will play for the emblem and to maintain our position to ensure participation in the Super Cup. Fourth place is ours, and we want to end the season while maintaining it.'

The goalkeeper praised the work within the technical staff in recent days, confirming that focus has returned strongly after the previous two losses: 'Our focus is high, and the coaching staff is working well with us. We have analyzed the mistakes we made, and everyone is ready to give their all in tomorrow's match.'

In conclusion, Jad'an sent a message of thanks to the Al-Nawaris fans: 'Thank you to our fans who supported us throughout the season despite the circumstances we faced. Their support did not stop even on the worst days, and this places a double responsibility on us to make them happy tomorrow.'