Arnold: Our ambition is to deliver high performance at the Asian Cup; Gulf 27 produced important positives

Baghdad – Al-Wasat Iraqi newspaper

Iraq national team head coach Graham Arnold confirmed on Saturday that the team's ambition in the coming phase is to deliver a high-level performance at the Asian Cup, noting that participation in the 27th Gulf Cup produced many positive aspects, most notably the emergence of new players and increased squad depth, which he described as important gains.

Arnold told a group of journalists: "The future of the Iraqi national team is wonderful, and Gulf 27 carried many positive things. We have a new coaching staff and new players, and the players we gave a chance amazed me with what they delivered," stressing that "Iraq has a great future."

He added that "the team's ambition in the next phase is to prepare well and deliver a high-level performance at the Asian Cup," noting that "the team will play two friendly matches during next November, and injured players will be ready to return."

He continued: "I now have four or five new players who amazed me and will provide more, so things are going well," emphasizing that "the players are the priority, and the technical staff is working to ensure their readiness."

Arnold expressed his appreciation for the support of Iraqi fans, saying: "I greatly appreciate the fans' support, I love the fans and their backing, and I am always here for the players — they are our number one."

Regarding criticisms that accompanied the team's participation in Gulf 27 and failing to qualify for the next round, Arnold said: "I will not comment on that, but we won one match and drew another and lost a match to the host Saudi national team, which is considered one of the best teams in the Middle East."

He criticized the tournament's draw system, saying: "Being eliminated under the group-draw system was one of the most disappointing things," arguing that "relying on the FIFA rankings would have been more appropriate in determining the levels."

He added: "Aside from that, I returned to Baghdad with my head held high, and I saw a lot of positives — we gave the new players a chance and they proved themselves."

He noted that "the new technical staff integrated excellently, the team culture is excellent, and the new players showed what they can add alongside other players who missed the tournament due to injury," pointing out that "this gave the national team greater depth in its roster."

He confirmed that "the team now has new options, including attacking players who can be utilized during the Asian Cup."

Arnold concluded by saying: "We all have to be positive about moving forward and preparing for the Asian Cup, and the November window will be another opportunity to give the new players a chance to participate," adding: "I thought before the tournament that everyone wanted us to give the new players a chance, and we did that and it worked, so I am very happy with what was achieved."