By Joe Koraith/Doha
The Supercoppa being played in Qatar also helps give the world a glimpse of the excellent facilities that are on offer here for football. The players and coaches are amazed at the sporting infrastructure here and are confident that Qatar will host a great World Cup in 2022. Yesterday it was Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon, Napoli coach Rafael Benitez and defender Christian Maggio who spoke in favour of Qatar hosting football’s biggest event.
“Regarding the World Cup, it’s in a few years’ time. But considering the economic potential and facilities here, the World Cup will be a positive event for this country. They have all the ingredients to make it a successful event,” said Buffon during the pre-match press conference yesterday.
Buffon said that the weather was a concern that needs to be addressed, not just for the players but also for the fans. “The infrastructure and stadiums are of very high quality. Of course I think that we need to play in the right weather so that the players can have the best conditions to display their skills. And also for the fans. They tend to move from one place to another. So we expect there will be the question of weather.”
But Buffon said that Qatar had the potential to host the World Cup and also to make it stand out from the other editions. “The first feeling that Qatar gives is that this is a set of people who have everything. They have great potential to host an event of such high calibre. In the years ahead of the event, Qatar should find ways to make the event more romantic. And I hope that it can be done and that will make the Qatar edition stand out from the rest of the world.”
The Juve skipper was also warmly surprised by the great welcome that his team got. “We were warmly received here. Many people, including myself, didn’t know that Juventus will have such a huge following in Qatar. Receiving us this way made us feel that we are distinguished and that we stand out. Of course it also goes to prove that if you don’t go about your life in a particular way then you don’t get the love of the people,” said the goalkeeping veteran.
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez was of the opinion that more teams should come to Qatar to utilise the great facilities on offer here. “I have been here for two years. It has been a great experience. Working with football people here in Qatar is a great pleasure. They have the best of facilities. And utilizing these facilities is something that Napoli and other teams should think about.”
As for Christian Maggio, the Napoli right back has been amazed at the facilities in Qatar. “Since the first day of our arrival in Qatar we have been amazed by the infrastructure. It is beautiful. It is an indicator that this city wants to provide something extraordinary. Qatar will be ready for the World Cup. There is care taken about even the smallest of details. And definitely Qatar will be ready to host an international event of such a huge stature,” said Maggio during the press conference.
Napoli players practise ahead of today’s Supercoppa match against Juventus. PICTURE: Jayaram
