The one thing that strikes you first when you meet Jorge Fossati is the calming influence that he has on people. He automatically fits the father-figure mould and you believe that he has the ability to make things right. That’s exactly what the Qatar Football Association will be hoping from the highly-respected Uruguayan when they handed him the reins of the national team.
Having led Al Rayyan to the Qatar Stars League title in emphatic fashion last season, Fossati has been roped in to salvage Qatar’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. And the 63-year-old believes that he can still guide Qatar to achieve a historic slot in the Russia edition of the World Cup.
“It’s a big honour and big responsibility. I have taken this responsibility because I believe in the quality of the players. Despite the two bad results so far, I believe that qualification is still possible. It will be very, very difficult but I’m optimistic about our chances,” said Fossati during the press conference yesterday where he was officially unveiled as the coach of Qatar.
“It feels a bit strange replacing my compatriot (Daniel Carreno) and it’s not something that I wish for but this is the nature of football and especially that of our profession. They have done a good job so far and I have to continue the good work,” he added.
Qatar lost their first two games, the first one against giants Iran but the second defeat was against Uzbekistan – a match where they were expected to do better. They are currently at the bottom of Group A. With eight matches still to go, Qatar can still make a fight out of it. And Fossati reiterated that he believed it was possible. “If I did not believe in this team’s chances then I would have told QFA that it’s not possible. The players need someone who will get them to believe that it’s possible. I know that it’ll be very difficult. But with confidence and faith in God we will give it our best,” he said.
Qatar will play next against South Korea on October 6, in an away match and then take on Syria on October 11. With two crucial matches, within such a short interval, Fossati stressed that the right mentality would be the key in delivering the results. “It’s essential for our players to be at a good physical and tactical level. And I believe, the most important aspect is the mentality. With the right attitude, you can overcome anything. Without that even the smallest of hurdles can cause you to stumble,” said the Uruguayan.
But Fossati also said that the results in the next two games will still not be a comprehensive indicator of what’s going to happen. “The lack of time is the bigger worry. We’re trying to do everything we can, inside and outside the field, to get the players ready. I know the next two games will be very important. But from my point of view, they will not be definitive in any way. From now we have 24 points. And you don’t need 24 points to qualify. I prefer to go game by game,” said the 63-year-old.
The two giants in Group A are Iran and South Korea. Qatar will have to put in a really strong performance to usurp one of them. Another option available for Qatar is to qualify through the third-place playoffs. And that’s what Fossati has set as his target. “In our current scenario, qualification through the third-place play-off is a more probable reality. We have played two games and got zero points. But the group is very, very equal. Maybe this situation will change for the better in the next 3-4 games because it doesn’t depend on just our results. By mathematics, it’s logical to aim for qualification through the third-place play-off. But I hope that we can do it the direct way.”
Qatar have arranged for a friendly to be played tomorrow against Serbia, which will be the first game that Fossati will be in charge of. The Uruguayan plans to use that game to pick players and the strategy. “We have arranged a Serbia friendly. It wouldn’t have been needed otherwise. But it’ll help me make conclusions about which players to pick and which strategy to use for the next game. These decisions are easier to take in friendly games.”
Qatar and Fossati go a long way back, having also coached the national team during the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign. “I took this job because I love Qatar. I cannot forget when Qatar opened the doors for me at the end of the 2005 season. And from that moment on, I have had a very good relationship with many people here. Every day I feel the love and respect the Qatari people give me. For me this is essential in life. “
Qatar is expecting Fossati to deliver this miracle of qualification. And if he can achieve that, his status will be elevated into the legendary category.
Qatar national team coach Jorge Fossati instructs the players during a training session which was held yesterday.
