AMMAN — Italian coach Roberto Mancini of the Saudi national team expressed his respect for the Jordanian national team ahead of their challenging encounter on Tuesday at the Amman International Stadium. This match marks the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Mancini said in a press conference: "We look forward to a good match. We are well aware that the Jordanian national team is strong, and we know it will be a tough game." When asked about Jordan's historical edge in official matches, he remarked: "That's why I mentioned it as a tough match. History always suggests it's a tough match. I hope luck is on our side, and we emerge victorious." Addressing the delayed arrival of the Saudi team in Amman and whether it reflects overconfidence, Mancini clarified "It's not overconfidence; it's our usual routine to arrive the night before the match. "We are fully aware that it's a tough game. We respect the Jordanian national team, and we believe it will be a tough match. Our training in Al-Ahsa was solid, and our arrival here is sufficient." The Saudi national team will play against Jordan before heading to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in January. Mancini commented on the upcoming tournament, saying: "Our focus is on tomorrow's match. The Asian Cup is still two months away, and we have ample time. Our current focus is on the Jordan match." Regarding the team's qualification from Group G, which includes teams like Pakistan and Tajikistan, Mancini emphasized "In the world of football, nothing is guaranteed. "We will only secure qualification by delivering a good performance. Our mindset is to enter with high concentration for the match." Addressing the absences in the team, he assured "We have brought a complete list of players, and we have good substitutes." Responding to questions about a tactical shift inspired by the Italian school and its impact on friendly results, he explained, "We played four strong matches, and it's not about the Italian school or others. "Coaches need time to know the players, and players need time to adapt." He added: "I have only had 25 days with the players, which is not enough, and we look forward to improvement." In conclusion, Mancini affirmed his respect for all national teams, addressing his selection of players for the match against Pakistan, stating "I chose the best players, and the match against Pakistan was important for us because it was the first one, and all the players are professionals."
