Arnold explains Gulf Cup gains and confirms Asian Cup ambitions

National football team coach Graham Arnold confirmed on Saturday that the team's ambition in the upcoming phase is to deliver a high-level performance in the Asian Cup, pointing out that participating in the 27th Gulf Cup produced several positive aspects, most notably the emergence of new players and increasing the depth of the team squad, considering them important gains. Arnold said in a conversation with a group of journalists that the future of the Iraqi national team is wonderful, and the 27th Gulf Cup carried many positive matters, as we have a new working staff and new players, and the players to whom we gave the opportunity amazed me with what they presented, stressing that Iraq possesses a wonderful future. He added that the team's ambition in the upcoming phase is to prepare well and present a high-level performance in the Asian Cup, indicating that the team will play two friendly matches during the coming month of November, and the injured players will also be ready to return. He continued: I now have four or five new players who amazed me and will offer more, and therefore things are going well, stressing that the players represent the priority, and the technical staff works to ensure their readiness. Arnold expressed his appreciation for the support of the Iraqi fans, saying: I appreciate the fans' support a lot, and I love the fans and their support, and I am always here for the players, as they are number one for us. Regarding the criticism that accompanied the team's participation in the 27th Gulf Cup and failing to qualify to the next round, Arnold explained: I will not comment on that, but we won a match, drew in another, and lost a match against the host Saudi national team, which is considered one of the best teams in the Middle East. Arnold criticized the draw system adopted in the tournament, saying that exiting according to the group draw system was the most disappointing matter, considering that relying on the FIFA ranking would have been more appropriate in determining levels. He added: Apart from that, I returned to Baghdad with my head held high, and I saw a lot of positives, as we gave new players an opportunity and they proved their presence. He pointed out that the new technical staff integrated in an excellent manner, the team culture is wonderful, and the new players showed what they can add alongside the other players who missed the tournament due to injury, pointing out that this gave the team greater depth in its squad. He confirmed that the team has now come to possess new options, including players in the offensive line who can be utilized during the Asian Cup. Arnold indicated at the conclusion of his talk by saying: We all must be positive regarding moving forward and preparing for the Asian Cup, and the November window will be another opportunity to give new players the chance to participate, adding: I believed before the tournament that everyone wants us to give new players a chance, and we did that and it worked out, and therefore I am very happy with what was achieved.