Maksim Lestsin, the head coach of the national team of Kyrgyzstan, stated that he does not consider the national team of the UAE a favorite due to the result of the match held on their home field in Abu Dhabi. He noted that his team is capable of achieving a good result, which will help them advance in Group A of the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
During a press conference held in the middle of Abu Dhabi, Lestsin emphasized: "We have prepared well for the game, and I see that the match will be difficult, considering what happens on the field, since the place in the group table requires all teams to show all their capabilities in order to maintain the chances of each of them for qualification."
He added: "We do not like to compare our team’s performance with the national team of the UAE based on the results of previous matches. What concerns the past, it applies to all national teams and coaches, and we focus on our aspects of preparing players in the most effective way."
Lestsin continued: "We have great trust in our players, and I see that we are in excellent shape, and we have no injury problems." With particular emphasis on the advantages of the national team of the UAE during the match held on their home field, he said: "We have played many matches, and it doesn't matter whether we play on our home field or not, we have the abilities that allow us to achieve good results."
He also noted the talents that he has in the national team of the UAE: "The team has very talented players both individually and collectively, and it is led by a renowned coach. But in general, all national teams at this stage have a high level, and the main thing is to focus on your team and on how to properly counteract the supermen in each match."
