Talić: Bahrain National Team Set to Showcase Skills and Experience at Arab Cup

Bahrain's national football team coach Dragan Talajić says his squad is ready to play attacking football when they face Iraq tomorrow in their opening match of the 2025 Arab Cup. The game kicks off Group 4 action in what could be a defining tournament for both teams.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Talajić made it clear his team won't sit back and defend. "We will be positive on the field, and we won't play in a negative way," he said. "We have good capabilities and experience that has accumulated over the years, and we will show it during the tournament."

The Serbian coach emphasized that Bahrain wants to start strong and get a positive result that builds momentum for the rest of the competition. This approach signals a shift from the more cautious tactics some smaller nations adopt in major tournaments.

When an Iraqi journalist asked Talajić how he thought Iraq would fare if they were in Bahrain's World Cup qualifying group alongside Saudi Arabia and Japan, the coach simply smiled. He then acknowledged Iraq's quality without making direct comparisons, showing the diplomatic side that comes with international football.

The match represents a crucial opportunity for both teams. Bahrain has been building their program steadily in recent years, while Iraq brings a strong footballing tradition and passionate support base. Group 4 promises to be competitive, making tomorrow's opener even more important for early momentum.

Talajić's comments suggest Bahrain won't just try to survive in the tournament. They want to compete actively and use the experience they've gained from previous competitions. That mindset could make them dangerous opponents for any team in their group.