Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah says Georgios Donis’ work with the team has been clear as they prepare to face Qatar in the Gulf Cup 27 semi-final.
The sides meet at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, with Saudi Arabia seeking to reach the final after winning all three of their group matches against Kuwait, Oman and Iraq without conceding a goal.
Qatar, however, are the reigning Asian champions, and Atiah expects a demanding contest.
“We hope to win and have good fortune against Qatar,” Atiah told Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah. “We are facing an experienced team and the Asian champions, but we hope to follow the coach’s instructions and that fortune will be on our side.”
Atiah also said representing Saudi Arabia remained a major ambition for every player, regardless of when they were selected for the squad.
“A player’s ambition is to represent his country,” he added. “I am ready at any time. Whether I was called up at the start of the tournament or not, I have to come in and do what is required of me, whether I arrive early or late.”
Donis has only had a limited amount of time to work with the squad between matches, meaning players must absorb his instructions quickly, Atiah said.
“The coach has not had a long period with us from one match to the next,” he explained. “That is why the player must be focused and receive the information more quickly.
“Donis’ work has been clear to everyone in the past three matches, and I hope it is rewarded with victory in tomorrow’s game.”
Saudi Arabia have impressed in the group stage, collecting maximum points from their three fixtures and keeping clean sheets in each of them. Atiah, though, does not believe that record guarantees the same outcome in the knockout rounds.
“We are not concerned with figures and statistics,” he said. “They are for critics and the media. Even if we did not concede a goal in the group stage, that does not necessarily mean it will happen in the knockout stages. But we hope for good fortune.”
The comments were published by Al Riyadiyah on 2 October 2026, as Saudi Arabia finalised preparations for their meeting with Qatar.