Riyadh: Saudi Arabia coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro has vowed to defend his players until his last days in The Kingdom ahead of their crunch second group game with Bahrain on Sunday.
The Spaniard is under huge pressure after the hosts drew their opening game 1-1 with Qatar on Thursday, rendering upcoming games against Bahrain and Yemen vital.
“I spoke to the players and the players know me very well having spent a long time with me, they know my character and they know very well that I will defend them until my last day in Saudi Arabia,” said Caro, who came into this tournament with just two wins in 10 matches.
“The good spirit of the players is prominent and there is dedication and enthusiasm from them, but criticism limits that. I ask the public and media to support the players as we aspire to be a strong footballing country.
“I’ve not got the slightest objection to personal criticism, but we must leave interests on the side and support and help the players.”
Bahrain coach Adnan Hamad similarly tried to take the heat off his players ahead of the Saudi game after an underwhelming goalless draw with Yemen in their opening game on Thursday.
“There is no pressure for us, because we are building a team for the future,” he said. “We are in the process of building a new generation after the retirement of Bahrain’s golden generation, who came very close to the finals in recent years.
“We are now trying to make a competitive team for Gulf and Asian Cups and I’m confident we possess the talent capable of reaching their goals for the future, including upcoming editions of the Gulf Cup.”
