We can’t afford to relax, says Queiroz

PFDC – KUALA LUMPUR, Following the draw for the final stage of Asian World Cup qualfiiers, the coaches and team officials have shared their views on the outcome.

“The most important thing for us is that we start preparing now for the final round because this group has serious candidates for qualification and we cannot afford to relax”, Iran boss Carlos Queiroz is cited on the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) official site.

“We will compete in all games with dignity and to do this there is only one way and that is to prepare well because preparation is the one thing that is completely in our control”, the Portugese concluded.

Meanwhile South Korea team manager Chun Han-jin demaded full concentration of his players.

“We have to make sure that we are ready to compete strongly and leave no room for error in each match. We will approach every match as if it were the last match.”

However, he also particualrily pointed out to Iran being a tough opponent.

“Iran, as always, is a strong team and we expect them to be a big challenge”, Han-jin said.

Uzbekistan assistant coach Shuhrat Maksudov was reluctant to comment any of the teams in specific.

“I wouldn’t say any particular team is strong or weak because every opponent deserves the fullest respect. It doesn’t matter what group we were drawn in as we would approach it in the same way.”

Meanwhile Qatar’s assistant coach Fahad Al Zaara explained he would see Korea and Iran as biggest, but not only, obstacles.

“I think Korea and Iran should be considered favourites but that doesn’t mean that Lebanon and Uzbekistan can be considered easy because they will be doing all that they can to win therefore we must be at our very best to qualify.”

Lebanon coach Theo Bucker was quick to once more underline his team’s underdog role.

“This is a very tough group but we will push forward even if Lebanon’s lacks the facilities. You can’t compare us to the likes of Qatar in terms of facilities but what we do have is our motivation to do well.”

The games will kick of on June 3, with Uzbekistan hosting Iran and Qatar travelling to Lebanon.