Matar Al Dhaheri praises the performance of the UAE national team and rules out the influence of the crowd’s presence on the players before the final

Matar Al Dhaheri, the supervisor of the Emirati national team, praised the performance of the “Al-Abyad” players and their overcoming the obstacle of the Omani national team, ruling out that the large crowd attendance expected in the final match would affect the Emirati national team players.

Al Dhaheri said to media representatives after the match: “I congratulate the players on their victory and reaching the final match despite great stress. The Omani team was a strong match for us, and we wish them the best of luck after losing the match, and we will work to prepare for the final match better.”

Regarding the final against the Saudi team, Al Dhaheri said: “I believe that the two best teams reached the final, and the balance is equal between the two parties. “I hope, of course, that my team will win the championship, and certainly the Saudi team is looking forward to the same thing, but whoever prepares better and maintains his focus in the match is the one who will achieve the title.”

He added: “We finished the semi-final match, and we have to be very humble and start preparing for the final match.”

Regarding following up and studying the Saudi team before the final, he said: “The coach is responsible for following the match and determining the levels of the Saudi team players. We watched the Saudi team in its four matches, and I think the coach has a clear idea about it.”

Al Dhaheri ruled out that the expected Saudi public presence would put pressure on UAE players, and said: “This is football, and I do not think the fans will affect us.” We have previously played in Saudi stadiums, and the Saudi fans are always present and supportive of their team, and certainly the Saudi team’s arrival in the final will constitute an additional incentive for them to attend.”

He continued: “I do not think that this will affect us, and we hope that the two teams will present an enjoyable match in front of the expected large crowd.”

Regarding the UAE national team players’ abstention from making statements to the media, Al Dhaheri revealed that the decision came under his direction, saying: “This is a decision from me personally, and there are no other reasons, but I want to remove the pressure from the players.”

Al Dhaheri sent a message to the Emirati fans who supported the team in the semi-final, saying: “I congratulate them on reaching the final match, and I hope that their presence in the final will be greater than today’s match, and we expect the Emirati fans to march en masse behind the team.”

Regarding the facilities expected to transport Emirati fans to Saudi Arabia, he said: “I cannot specify a specific number for attendance, but the distance is not far, even for those who wish to attend by car. The Federation will work to facilitate the attendance of fans, and there will certainly be arrangements to transport fans from the Emirates, because it is important to provide them with amenities. We hope that the crowds will flock behind Al-Abyad in the final match.”