Saudi Arabia conclude preparation, training ahead of Arabian Gulf Cup opener against Yemen

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Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal. (Supplied/SaudiNT)
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Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal. (Supplied/SaudiNT)
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Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal. (Supplied/SaudiNT)
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Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal. (Supplied/SaudiNT)
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Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal. (Supplied/SaudiNT)
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Updated 06 January 2023
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Saudi Arabia conclude preparation, training ahead of Arabian Gulf Cup opener against Yemen

  • The Green Falcons get their campaign under way when they meet the Yemenis at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia completed on Thursday their preparations for their opening Arabian Gulf Cup fixture against Yemen on Friday in the presence of the head of the Saudi Football Association, Yasser Al-Mishal.

The Green Falcons get their campaign under way when they meet the Yemenis at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq.

The team were training at the stadium under the supervision of technical director, Saad Al-Shehri, who said he hoped to see continued development from the Saudi team following their FIFA World Cup exploits last year.

“We are very happy to be among our brothers in Iraq, and I thank the Iraqis for their hospitality and the unsurprising reception from them, and we wish them success in hosting and organizing this tournament,” Al-Shehri said.

“We will work hard to achieve our technical goals, including winning the championship, as well as the ultimate goal, which is to move forward in technical development that Saudi football is witnessing and achieving,” he added.

Player Riyad Sharahili explained during a press conference that the match against Yemen would not be easy and pointed out that he and his teammates were focused on performing at a high level to achieve a positive result.


Man City close to Guehi signing: Palace boss Glasner

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Man City close to Guehi signing: Palace boss Glasner

  • City have stepped up their pursuit of Guehi in a deal reportedly worth $27m after suffering an acute injury crisis at center-half
  • “Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said

LONDON: Manchester City are in the “final stages” of completing a deal for England defender Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said on Friday.
City have stepped up their pursuit of Guehi in a deal reportedly worth £20 million ($27 million) after suffering an acute injury crisis at center-half.
Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, would become City’s second signing of the January transfer window after their capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week for about £65 million.
The 25-year-old captained Palace to FA Cup success in May against City — the first major trophy in the south London club’s history — and has won 26 England caps.
Other clubs reportedly interested in the defender, including Liverpool once again and Bayern Munich, were understood to be targeting a move at the end of the season, when Guehi was due to be a free agent.
“Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said on the eve of Palace’s Premier League match at Sunderland.
“We can’t confirm, but it is not done. The result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”
The Palace boss added: “When the players want to move on, a deal will happen. It looks like it has happened now.
“Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever. I talked to him, of course, it stays between us. Marc showed it in the summer transfer window, showed it the whole autumn that he was 100 percent committed to the team and to Crystal Palace.
“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”
City manager Pep Guardiola stressed he had “nothing to say” about the potential transfer at his own press conference ahead of his side’s match at Manchester United.
The club are currently without senior center-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol due to injury, while Nathan Ake has struggled to play more than once a week due to fitness issues.
Guardiola, whose team are second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal, said the club were “in a difficult situation for not one game but a long, long period,” adding: “Ruben will be back soon. Josko, no. John, hopefully we’ll see.”
City are also still challenging for silverware in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Glasner also said Friday he would leave Palace when his own contract expired at the end of the season.