{
  "id": 12138420,
  "title": "UAE coach Dalic eyes Gulf Cup title against strong Saudi side",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/uae-coach-dalic-eyes-gulf-cup-title-against-strong-saudi-side",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T11:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/sports/ekw06o7fp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UAE head coach Zlatko Dalic believes his team will face one of the Arabian Gulf Cup's strongest opponents when they take on Saudi Arabia in the final. The match will be played in Jeddah, in front of a home crowd, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Dalic addressed the media ahead of the crucial encounter, acknowledging the Saudi side's considerable strength and technical prowess. He expressed his determination to deliver the UAE's best performance in the final, despite limited preparation time on set pieces, which are crucial in football. The coach also thanked the enthusiastic UAE fans for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to the team. Dalic highlighted his nine years of international coaching experience, believing it would positively influence the players' performance. He anticipated a highly competitive final, praising the UAE team's growing identity and diverse playing style under his leadership. Despite the coach's recent appointment, he expressed optimism for the team's future, predicting a thrilling showdown with a distinct Gulf flavor. UAE player Khalid Eisa echoed Dalic's sentiments, praising the warm welcome from the Saudi people and predicting a thrilling final.",
  "summary": "Zlatko Dalic highlights Saudi Arabia's strength and says the UAE is determined to win the Gulf Cup final in Jeddah.",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE coach Zlatko Dalic eyes Gulf Cup title against Saudi Arabia.",
    "Saudi Arabia considered one of the strongest opponents in the final.",
    "Dalic praised UAE team's growing identity and diverse playing style."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}