United Arab Emirates manager Zlatko Dalic says his side will not use Oman’s additional day of rest as an excuse when the teams meet in the Gulf Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Oman have had an extra day to prepare for the last-four tie, but Dalic believes the United Arab Emirates must focus on their own readiness after reaching the semi-finals.
“Oman have had an additional day of rest, but we are not looking for excuses or justifications before the semi-final,” Dalic said at a news conference broadcast by Abu Dhabi Sports.
“We also rested some key players in our match against Qatar.”
Dalic said he was pleased with the United Arab Emirates’ performances so far, but insisted that attention had now shifted entirely to the meeting with Oman.
“I am happy with what we have produced in the previous matches, but our focus is now completely on tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“We are taking the tournament one step at a time, and our aim is to continue performing with the same spirit and determination.”
The United Arab Emirates coach expects a demanding contest against an Oman side he believes has been carefully prepared and possesses significant attacking quality.
“We know the match against Oman will be extremely difficult,” Dalic said. “We have studied the opponent well. They produced an impressive performance in the final 20 minutes against Kuwait and managed to win 3-1.”
He added: “Oman also have a strong attacking group, while their coach Tarek Sektioui is doing a good job. That is why we have studied their strengths and weaknesses to establish the right tactics for the match.”
Dalic stressed that meetings between the two teams are traditionally closely fought and said his squad understood the challenge ahead.
“We respect the Omani team. All matches between the United Arab Emirates and Oman are difficult, strong and competitive, so we are cautious and ready for tomorrow,” he said.
Asked about the United Arab Emirates being regarded as potential winners of the tournament, Dalic said qualification for the final would depend on beating Oman rather than on outside expectations.
“We are now in the semi-finals, and I am happy with the way we played in the group stage and the high levels we showed,” he said.
“We have to continue the journey by beating Oman and making our supporters happy.”
Dalic acknowledged that winning the Gulf Cup would be a difficult task, but called on his players to maintain maximum concentration.
“Winning the Gulf Cup is not easy, but we must be ready and give our best on the pitch,” he said. “We will be at the highest level of focus against Oman.”