West Asian Football Federation Tournament:
⁃ Only local players because the tournament is not doing FIFA days.
⁃ It will be a mix between experience and young players. It will be a bit difficult for us because we will have 4 games in 8 days. We have only 23 players including 3 goalkeepers. The team is not physically ready. Only few players, from Nejmeh and Ansar are physically ready.
⁃ I was surprised yesterday to hear that Haitham Faour retires from international football. I don’t understand his decision. I wanted to know why. He’s an important player. I hope he will come back.
⁃ I have already a system in my mind. Our trainings and games will help me to find the best system.
⁃ We have a problem in the left back position. We only have Hassan Cheaito Shibrico. We also have Maher Sabra but he is injured. We will try to find a solution. I will watch all the games.
Players abroad:
⁃ We are following all the players abroad including Bassel Jradi. I am really happy for Joan Oumari who signs recently in Japan.
U-22 rule:
⁃ About the U-22 rule? In Romania, the clubs must have under 23 one player in their XI. We qualify to the U-21 Euro thanks to this rule. We went to the semi-finals with players who are starters with their clubs.
The 2022 World Cup Round 2 Draw:
⁃ We will fight for the second place. South Korea is a very strong team. We should be prepared mentally for our first game away in North Korea on September 5. The first game will be the most important one.
Beirut – Lebanese Football Federation HQ,
July 24, 2019.
