Palestine Short on Readiness for Tough Korea Clash, Coach Says

Team Lacks Experience, Depth

Assistant coach Amjad Taleb acknowledges that the Palestine national football team faces a daunting challenge in their upcoming match against North Korea in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Taleb admits that Palestine, currently ranked 94th in the FIFA World Rankings, will be at a disadvantage against North Korea, who are ranked 105th. He highlights the lack of experience and depth in the Palestinian squad as key concerns.

"We have a young team with limited international experience," Taleb says. "Our squad lacks the depth and quality to compete effectively against a strong team like North Korea."

Limited Preparation Time

In addition to the talent gap, Palestine's preparations for the match have been hindered by limited time and resources.

The team only recently assembled for a training camp in Doha, Qatar, and has had only a few days to prepare for the crucial encounter against North Korea.

"We haven't had enough time to properly prepare for this match," Taleb says. "The short training camp has made it difficult to implement our tactics and build team cohesion."

Hope Amidst Challenges

Despite the challenges, Taleb remains optimistic about Palestine's chances in the match.

He believes the team's determination and fighting spirit can make up for their shortcomings.

"We know we are underdogs, but we are determined to give a good account of ourselves," Taleb says. "We have a few key players who can make a difference, and we will be fighting for every ball."

Assessment of North Korea's Strengths

Taleb identifies North Korea's physicality and organization as their main strengths.

He notes that the North Koreans are a well-drilled team with a strong work ethic.

"They are a physically strong team with a good work rate," Taleb says. "They are also very well-organized and disciplined."

Game Plan and Tactical Approach

Taleb reveals that Palestine will adopt a cautious approach to the match and try to exploit North Korea's weaknesses.

He plans to use a compact defense and quick counterattacks to catch the North Koreans off guard.

"We will need to be patient and disciplined in defense," Taleb says. "We will also need to take our chances when we get them."