Thamer Enad, the Kuwaiti coach of Al-Azraq: We are determined to provide a level worthy of Kuwaiti football
The Kuwaiti national team coach, Thamer Enad, stressed the importance of his team’s match against the Bahraini national team in the qualifiers for the group stage of the Arab Cup in Qatar 2021.
Al-Azraq’s coach said during the press conference for the upcoming meeting: “Facing Bahrain is a Gulf derby. We know very well how strong the Bahraini team is, the West Asian champion and the champion of the last edition of the Gulf Cup, and certainly the match will be strong from both teams. The Bahraini team is going through the same conditions as ours after leaving the qualifiers for the World Cup. However, they have great potential, a smart coach, enjoy stability and will present a great match.
He added, “The winning percentages outweigh the Bahraini over the Kuwaiti team, but my confidence in the players and the technical and administrative staff is great. We will provide a good level of performance in the match in order to achieve victory. I have 23 players in whom I completely trust to present a great match and everyone is ready and fully prepared to meet. We are determined to compensate failing to qualify.”
On the Kuwaiti team’s preparations affected by the Corona pandemic, he said: “The whole world is affected by Corona, and we were affected in the preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. We went through difficult circumstances, and there is a state of dissatisfaction from the fans and those responsible for the sport about what the team presented in the qualifiers. We hope to compensate everyone in the Bahrain match and qualify. For the Arab Cup, we offer a level worthy of Kuwaiti football.
He added: “We rely on experienced players to tip the balance of the team, as well as the young players. The match is an opportunity to prove themselves, and confirm that they are able to return to their technical level. If the team is at the top of its technical, psychological and mental level, it will win the match.”
When asked about the Kuwaiti team’s return to the podiums again, he said: “We are optimistic after the decision of the Minister of Sports, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, with the law of professionalism, and this is the beginning of a return to crowning championships again, but we need time.”
Speaking about Badr Al-Mutawa and his tears after exiting the World Cup qualifiers, he said: “Badr Al-Mutawa is the first star in the national team. His crying because of not being able to qualify affected everyone. He is the bright spot in Kuwait. Whoever wants to shine should see Badr Al-Mutawa, the inspiring leader and dean of world players and a great value on and off the field.