Katanic: I am waiting for surprises from the players

Iraqi coach Strijko Katanic has admitted that his team’s circumstances are difficult before the opening of the 24th Gulf.

“We are very happy to be here,” he said at the press conference. “We are in the best shape with only 11 players and two goalkeepers to prepare for the Qatar match”.

As for the police players who will play today in the Arab Club Championship: “I do not know what I will do whether they will play or not against Qatar. There are eight players with the police club and I may put them on the bench. I just have to watch the game and tomorrow I will decide what to do.”

He continued: “This Gulf championship is a good opportunity for new players in the national team, but all the players are aware that the opportunity given to them was deserved, and I expect them to surprise me in providing great levels, and for the Asian qualifiers, this is different from the Gulf championship.”

“It is difficult to have so few players, so it is very difficult to predict what will happen. This is a new experience for me and I hope to be successful in any decision I make,” he said.

Regarding the exclusion of Justin Miram and some of the players: “These are technical matters and I only get to choose the players, no one else. I have my experience and I know very well what the players need and there is nothing between me and any player in a personal matter. I am not afraid to be dismissed even if I lose all three games, all I need is to work very seriously”.

Regarding the preparation for Qatar: “I will explain to the players the plan. I have new players in the team and playing against one of the best Asian teams is wonderful and the atmosphere here is very wonderful. Tomorrow everything is possible and our situation is difficult, but I have no excuses”.