Arab Cup Standoff: UAE Coach Sees Jordan's Rise and Builds for Growth

Pre-match outlook

Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu, UAE head coach, said his side is ready to face Jordan in the opening round of Group C at the Arab Cup, and everyone knows Jordan qualified for 2026, having evolved a lot.

Olaroiu spoke at the pre-match press conference: Tomorrow's game will be tough against a strong side, but we have prepared for this tournament, and we must be physically and mentally ready to face Jordan, which plays high-quality football.

He explained: Jordan's coach Jamal Salami has developed his team's performance, and I am pleased with play; it's crucial to find a way to play, and we delivered better football than rivals in matches, but results weren't favorable.

He added: The Arab Cup will be our appearance after qualifiers, but the goal is to keep working, to evolve, to lay foundations, and to build relationships among players on and off the pitch.

He continued: Matches like these always carry pressure, but I hope our team frees itself tomorrow, shows its best, and we welcome support from fans at Al Bayt Stadium, hoping result that pleases them.

Olăroiu concluded: Sometimes things spiral out of control, and I trust current group and team's future; we will set the right plan for tomorrow's match, and I look forward to players shedding pressures.

Jordan's development and team dynamics

Ali Khaseif, goalkeeper of our national team, said: I thank the Qatari people for hospitality, and this is not unusual for Qataris; we enter with confidence against Jordan, because opener is crucial, and we trust our ability to present Emirati football well.

She added: We were affected by matches, and we are moving past that; we promise to perform with dignity, thank our fans whose support means, and we have motivation as we prepare for a tournament, aiming to leave an image for football.

"We were affected by matches" is perhaps not the most inspiring locker-room slogan, but hey, even pep talks can use a caffeine upgrade. The main goal remains growth, cohesion, and a strong showing that reflects Emirati football well.