Doha, December 27 (QNA) - Qatar coach Bartolome Marquez Lopez on Wednesday highly rated the pre-AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 preparations which include two friendlies against Cambodia and Jordan on Dec. 31 and Jan. 5 respectively.
The Spaniard told QNA that he was riding high with the atmosphere prevailing in training, as well as the players' big desires and mentality, ahead of the event set to run from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10, 2024. Qatar are the defending champions after securing the 2019 title in the UAE against Japan.
Football is always played under pressure, and in every tournament there are difficulties and challenges, added the former Espanyol manager, who was appointed earlier this month following the firing of Portuguese Carlos Queiroz.
Lopez stressed that everyone would support the team to reach a good stage, highlighting his long experience with the Qatari football thanks to a six-year spell with Al Wakrah.
Without a doubt, the first goal is to make the Qatari fans happy, and their support will give great motivation and additional strength to show the desirable image that satisfies everyone in Qatar, the manager who was named the best within Qatar in the 2021 - 2022 season added.
Qatar will take on Lebanon in the opening match of Group A which also comprises China and Tajikistan. (QNA)