We have nothing to lose claims calm Katanec

AFC – DOHA, Coach Srecko Katanec believes UAE have nothing to lose when they take on Iran at Qatar Sports Club Stadium bidding for a place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ quarter-finals.

The UAE need to beat the Group D leaders and hope DPR Korea can overcome Iraq at Al Rayyan Stadium by a lesser margin if they are to progress.

And Katanec feels the complex scenario makes the UAE outsiders to reach the last eight and as such, means they can play with absolute freedom.

“There is no pressure, I hope not,” he said.

“We are in the strongest group in the tournament, we were not the favourites before and we are not now. I prefer to play good football and show people that the UAE has a good team.

“We played two matches and we have one point i. In the team we have some problems, some small injuries, but everybody should be ready for the game.

“We know what we have to do. We need to win and hope Korea beat Iraq but by less goals, so it’s complicated.

“I’m proud of my work, proud of my players and the way we have played. We’ve been competitive at a high standard.”

Ahmed Khalil has been struggling with illness but the young striker should be fit to face Iran.

However, Katanec did warn against placing too much expectation on the 19-year-old – who has yet to score at the tournament – with burnout a particular concern for the Slovenian.

“We must take care with Ahmed because we have used him three times in three months,” he said.

“He played with the Under 19s, the Olympic team and he’s now here with us.

“He’s under pressure but he’s not the only player on the pitch. Others have had chances.

“He’s the future for the UAE. I’m satisfied with how he’s done and the best strikers in the world miss chances. He has been used too much in the last three months, for a young player this is too much.”

With Iran having already clinched top spot, coach Afshin Ghotbi hinted he may rotate his squad but Katanec, who confirmed Saeed Al Kathiri will again start on the bench, was quick to point out that does not necessarily make his side’s task any easier.

“For me, they have 23 players and I have respect for them. Iran is the best team in our group, they have six points, so it will be another very difficult match for us,” he said.

“Saeed Al Kathiri will get a chance but he doesn’t play too much for his club so it’s difficult for me because we don’t have much time together. I hope that I don’t need to put him on because we’ve already scored goals.”