- Pizzi’s men looked the stronger team at the Baniyas Stadium
- Juan Antonio Pizzi was pleased with his side’s performance after drawing with South Korea
DUBAI: Juan Antonio Pizzi was pleased with his side’s performance after Saudi Arabia eked out a draw against South Korea in their final warm-up match ahead of the Asian Cup on Saturday.
Pizzi’s men looked the stronger team at the Baniyas Stadium. They restricted the Koreans to eight shots, none of them on target. The Green Falcons also had more of the ball and were the more disciplined of the two teams.
The Argentine was also pleased with the outcome of the final phase of Saudi Arabia’s pre tournament training program this week ahead of their first group game next week.
“We have completed the last period as planned. We are satisfied with what has been achieved and hope now to achieve the best that we can in the tournament,” Pizzi said.
“The first week consisted of the physical aspect of the program where the focus was on managing and improving the fitness of each player,” said Pizzi.
When asked about the inclusion of Salman Al-Faraj in the squad, the Argentine confirmed that in principle he will consider the extent of the player’s response to treatment and expected him to participate at same point in the Asian Cup as he continues to recoup.
In regards to the possibility of bringing in new players, Pizzi said: “We do not rule out this possibility prior to the end of the selection process, however that will only take place if we face any unfortunate obstacles with the current players.”