2019 AFC Asian Cup: UAE Coach Alberto Zaccheroni - India are not to be underestimated

The coach of the host nation of the 2019 edition of the Asian Cup cut a confident figure while sounding cautious about their group opponents...

The United Arab Emirates ( ) head coach Alberto Zaccheroni has insisted that this team was ready to put on a performance which will make the 2019 AFC host country proud.

The tournament, which kicks off on January 5th 2019, will see UAE take on Bahrain, and in Group A. The Italian manager felt that while it was a huge honour to host a tournament of this magnitude, the games would be tough for his team.

"We have a huge challenge ahead," said the former coach. "It’s a big honour to be hosts, but it will be very, very difficult."

He went on to state that , Bahrain and will not be easy opponents.

"This is not an easy group. Being with India, Thailand and Bahrain is not easy."

He went on to describe each team's strengths and warned his team not to underestimate India although he admits he does not know much about Stephen Constantine's boys.

"We have to give 100 per cent, especially in the first game to qualify from the group stage. Bahrain, I think the game will be very difficult because they were good in the Gulf Cup.

"Thailand have proven in the recent qualifying campaign, they have improved a lot. So much recently.

"India I have to admit I don’t know much about. People shouldn’t underestimate them."

Meanwhile Bahrain head coach Miroslav Soukup said: "What can I say, we have a very interesting group because we’re playing against the hosts in the opening game in front of 50,000 to 60,000 spectators, it will be great for our team.

"But I heard that people are saying that our group is not difficult, but whoever qualified to the Asian Cup Finals, they are strong and they have quality."