Paulo Bento confident he can revive UAE’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying bid
Portuguese coach says he is 'proud' to take charge and insists he has 'full belief' in his players.
Bento determined to make UAE a 'strong and competitive' team at the highest level.
Paulo Bento has expressed his confidence in his ability to revive the UAE's bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being unveiled as the country's new head coach on Sunday.
The former South Korea boss, who has signed a two-year contract with the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), replaces Rodolfo Arruabarrena, who was sacked last month following a poor run of results.
Bento, who has also coached Portugal and Sporting Lisbon, is a highly respected coach with a wealth of experience at the international and club level.
He is confident that he can help the UAE reach their full potential and qualify for their first World Cup since 1990.
"I am very proud to be the new head coach of the UAE," Bento said at a press conference in Dubai.
"I have full belief in the potential of this team and I am confident that we can achieve great things together." He added.
"Our goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and I am confident that we can do it."
Bento's first task will be to prepare the UAE for their upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Venezuela in November.
He will then lead the team into their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in October 2023.
The UAE are currently ranked 70th in the FIFA World Rankings, but Bento is confident that he can help them climb the rankings and become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
"We want to be a strong and competitive team," Bento said.
"We want to play attractive football and we want to win matches."
"I am confident that we can achieve our goals and I am excited to get started."
Bento's impressive track record
Bento has a proven track record of success at the international level.
He led Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2012 European Championship and the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup.
He also guided South Korea to the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
At club level, Bento won the Primeira Liga title with Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and the Taça de Portugal in 2007.
He also led Olympiacos to the Greek Super League title in 2015.
Bento is a highly respected coach with a wealth of experience.
He is confident that he can help the UAE reach their full potential and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
