We are in for a Tough Group: Qatar Coach Belmadi

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Wednesday, March 26th 2014 04:33 PM

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi feels all four sides in Group C of the 2015 Asian Cup are 'strong and can play well.' Belmadi, who was appointed Qatar coach less than two weeks ago, was speaking to media after Qatar were drawn along side Bahrain, the UAE and Iran i Group C of the 16-team event. "We know all teams are strong," Belmadi said. "We can't choose one over the other. We will try our best to produce good results," Belmadi said. "We know Iran have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil," Belmadi said. "Bahrain and the UAE are also one of the better sides in our region. We will be working to schedule as we prepare for a busy football season," he added. "We need to prepare like never before. We have the Gulf Cup in November which means we will be playing two top international events in three months. We will prepare a strong squad," Belmadi said. "I know the players are confident and when we approach January, we will be ready," Belmadi said. "And yes, we will be ready for Gulf Cup as well. These are our next two targets," the new coach said. Belmadi, who guided QSL side Lekhwiya to two back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, was the coach of the Qatar A side that won the WAFF Championship in January this year. Belmadi replaced Fahad Thani who has been given charge of the Qatar Olympic squad.