YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS/WAM. The UAE national football team’s new head coach Jorge Luis Pinto is here for a mission; to help the country qualify for both the World Cup 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
In an exclusive interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Pinto said, "I love challenges and I believe that everything is possible and that you can reach your goals if you persevere and focus."
The Colombian coach, who was appointed by the UAE in July, added that after holding 24 training sessions and a friendly match in Serbia he became familiar with the players’ capabilities and is now able to carve out a future plans for the team.
"I am very optimistic and I am happy with the unlimited support provided to the team by the UAE Football Association and the fans. Of course there are lots of challenges, but I love challenges," he emphasised.
Asked about next steps, he said the team is preparing for two friendlies with Kuwait and Uzbekistan in October.
The Whites camped in Serbia in the run-up to the resumption of their World Cup 2022 qualifying games, with four matches remaining, three of which will be played at home.
The UAE, currently fourth in Group G, are at a crucial juncture in the qualifiers, which also acts as a qualification for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in China in 2023.
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