Pablo Franco, a Spaniard and former assistant coach on Real Madrid’s technical staff, predicts that the tournament would be won by Qatar, the land’s owner, rather than Spain in 2022.
Franco had previously served as Real Madrid’s assistant coach from July to November of last year. He also served as the Kuwaiti Qadisiyah’s leader from 2019 to 2021 before switching to the post of Simba Tanzania’s leader till last May.
From November 20 to December 18, Qatar will host the World Cup for the first time in its history, making it the first time an Arab nation will host the event.
“The World Cup will be historical in Qatar, not because it is the first Arab country to host the tournament only, but also because it is the first time in the history that the tournament is held at this time,” Pablo Franco said, in exclusive statements to Masrawy, today, Sunday.
The Spanish coach continued, “Qatar has been wisely chosen to organise the tournament, and I am certain that it will do everything possible to try to make this enormous event a success.”
The 41-year-old coach stated, “For Spain Group, I expect Spain and Germany to qualify, but Japan has developed a lot and will be a difficult competitor if it adapts to the environment in Qatar.
“I don’t think the Spanish national team will win the World Cup at this level. There is a huge difference between this generation and the one that won the title in 2010. Back then, the team included players like Casillas, Ramos, Picky, Busquets, Alonso, and Iniesta Faya, who were among the best players in the world in their positions.
Even though the World Cup is being played at an odd time of the year, he said, “Perhaps Brazil, Argentina, and France may be the strongest team, but there are always surprises in the World Cup.” If he had to pick just one side, he would pick the Brazil national team.
Regarding the teams who can catch everyone off guard, he said, “I believe Qatar will play well and be a tenacious foe.
In response to a question regarding the Egyptian Mohamed Salah, a star player for Liverpool, Franco said, “His performance this season may be worse than the past years, because his level at the time was amazing, but after renewing his contract, I think he would not leave Liverpool. If he did not sign a new contract with his club, he had the option to leave for free, but he ultimately decided to stay.
“I always thought he will be proper to play in the Spanish league, specifically in Barcelona,” he said as he put an end to his remarks.
Pablo Franco reveals to Masrawy his World Cup contenders, including the squad that most suits Salah.
About Author
