Saudi Arabia coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro says their march to the final is the result of two years of hard work.
Lopez Caro, 51, took the post in January 2013 following the Green Falcons’ disastrous group-stage exit under Frank Rijkaard during the previous event in Bahrain.
The ex-Real Madrid manager has guided his team to Asian Cup qualification, with steady progression also being made on home soil in the last fortnight. Qatar stand in the way of a fourth Gulf Cup success when the sides meet in tomorrow’s decider at King Fahd International Stadium.
Lopez Caro’s vision is clear. Predatory lone striker Nasser Al Shamrani is a constant threat up top, ably supplied by a trio of playmakers.
Defensive midfielders Saud Khariri and Waleed Rashid perform as pivots in the 4-2-3-1 formation, bombing full-backs providing extra width.
“We have been working with this group of players for two years and we’ve succeeded in creating a strong team,” Caro said.
“From the beginning our targets were clear – to produce an organised defensive unit and then improve the mentality of the team so they can have a distinct identity.
“We are always looking to get positive results to strengthen the team’s competitiveness and we always try to pick the best team, but ultimately the form of the individual players is the biggest factor in football. Our team has developed clear discipline and mental strength.”
Lopez Caro has been harangued and criticised at every turn by the Saudi media, his press conferences resembling interrogations.
Vindication of his methods remain tantalisingly close, though there will be no complacency until the Khaleej trophy is in his hands.
He added: “It’s easy to judge a match in hindsight, and of course it’s the same for the manager who may be aware of mistakes at the end. For the final, we need to be patient in our decisions. We will look to have the players in shape, we will study the opposition. And then we will take the decisions that will be right ones for the team.”
