UAE COACH ZACCHERONI PROMISES BETTER SHOW
The UAE are into the Round 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 but coach Alberto Zaccheroni emphasised on need for more focus and coordination from his players to succeed further in quest for the title. He is confident the UAE will be able to put an improved display in the knockout round.
After finishing 1-1 against Thailand, which was a second draw for the UAE in last three games, the Italian hoped his players will execute his plans from training sessions and boardrooms in a better way. “We started the match very well. We were able to score early. But then things slowed down. Players were slow to build attacks. There was lack of coordination. I changed things in the second half but it didn’t help as we failed to score the winner.”
He said the team failed to tackle the opponent’s counter attacks but is confident of a better show in next outing. “All our opponents played in a compact style. The goals we conceded were from counter-attacks. We have conceded twice in last three matches. But we have solutions to our issues and will correct in the next match.”
The coach takes heart from the fact that the ‘Whites’ kept possession and had better control on the games if not the result. “We controlled all our opponents better than any other team. I was expecting better performance against Thailand but we lost concentration. I didn’t know about our next opponent in Round of 16 but my aim is to get a better performance from my players.”
The coach banks on support from the fans to motivate players. “I know we didn’t play according to the expectations of our fans. But we need their support. We will improve our play and utilise the advantage of playing at home.”