Sousa: Both teams are experiencing the same pressure

Bahrain coach Hélio Sousa said on Wednesday that his team is preparing for a strong match against Iraq.

“We are playing here in Qatar and are happy with what we are doing as we prepare for any match. Bahrain and Iraq are experiencing the same pressure. I think they are both good teams. They will play against each other and we will see what each team will achieve. We will enjoy playing. The opportunity is available for both teams. We hope to achieve the win.”

“We have not yet reached the level of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq. We have different tools,” said Sousa.

Regarding the Bahraini team’s readiness, he said: “After preparing for a full month, we have reached the semi-finals and we can reach beyond that. Do not forget what all the players have achieved. We will try to attack when we have the ball and to put pressure on the Iraqi team.”

He added: “We are the strongest team in the tournament in addition to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq.”

He further stated: “If they are bored of our football, they should not be here,” he said, referring to his critics. “Defense and attack are part of the game. This is our ability and we will play on it. We do not believe that we have reached the level of Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.”

He concluded: “Iraq has spent two years with this coach, and we are just starting. We are happy that you put us in the level of the Iraqi team. Fortunately, we are playing against the strongest teams of Asia to gain experience. We are trying to change the concept and the style of playing, and we will prepare well for the next confrontation.”