61% of the public demand a new goalkeeper for the national team instead of Khaled Issa

A public poll conducted by “Emirates Today” through its accounts on social networking sites, about the goalkeeping position in the national team during the next stage, before the fateful confrontation against the Iraqi national team in the Asian qualifier for the global playoff for the FIFA World Cup, sparked a wide interaction from the fans who expressed mixed opinions. Some of them called for change and giving the opportunity to goalkeeper Hamad Al-Muqbali or new young names, and some of them supported the continuation of the goalkeeper. Veteran goalkeeper Khaled Issa starts.

The results of the poll, in which 3,542 fans participated, and which lasted for 24 hours under the title: “Do you think that the UAE national team needs a new goalkeeper instead of Khaled Issa in the next stage?”, showed that 61% of participants support using a new goalkeeper, compared to 39% who believe that Khaled Issa is the most appropriate option currently.

The opinions of the participants reflected the state of division in the sports street regarding the performance of the international goalkeeper, between those who believe that the time has come to renew blood and give confidence to a new generation of goalkeepers, led by Hamad Al-Muqbali, and those who believe that Khaled Issa must continue the mission.

In detail, a number of participants in the survey believed that the national team is in real need of renewal, stressing the need to provide opportunities for young goalkeepers who possess enthusiasm and ambition, in particular goalkeeper Hamad Al-Muqbali.

Ali Al-Murshedi said: “Al-Muqbali has been the best and most prominent for two years, but the insistence on Khaled Issa remaining raises a question mark.” Muhammad Al-Balushi agreed with him, saying: “Al-Muqbali, without any doubt, is the most worthy now.”

Fahd Al-Khouri added: “We need a new goalkeeper who uses his hands better than an experienced goalkeeper who uses his head,” while Sultan Al-Zaabi believed that “the change must include all positions, from the goalkeeper to the offensive line.”

Al-Naqbi pointed out that “Issa has done a lot, but his level is constantly declining, and the national team needs a more prepared goalkeeper,” while the captain of Al-Jaham said: “The year of life is change, and new blood must be pumped.” Muhammad Abdel-Rahman also confirmed that “Al-Muqbali is ready and creative in the league,” while Hussein Ayyash said: “There is no harm in giving Al-Muqbali the opportunity and resting Issa on the bench, as Khalid, despite his great history “He sometimes makes decisive mistakes.”

On the other hand, supporters defended Khaled Issa’s continuation, considering that he is still the best and most prepared to lead the national team’s guard in the coming period, noting that he has international experience and a strong personality that makes him able to overcome any criticism, recalling his great brilliance against Oman, which gave “Al-Abyad” the opportunity to continue in the playoff despite the loss to Qatar.

Abdullah Al Shehhi said: “Khaled Issa was the main reason for our team’s victory over its Omani counterpart, and after only three days, the perception of him changed because of one mistake. The fans want a player who never makes a mistake, and this is unrealistic.”

Tahnoon Al Amimi stressed that “the time is not appropriate for experiments and inventions,” while Rashid explained that “Khaled Issa and Captain Ali Khasif are among the best goalkeepers in the Gulf currently.”

Ahmed bin Muhanna added: “Issa is the best goalkeeper currently, but the fans forgot what he did against Oman and turned against him after the Qatar match, as if the goalkeeper was the only one who bears responsibility for the loss.”

It is noteworthy that Khaled Issa was widely criticized during the match that the UAE lost to Qatar (1-2), as the fans held him responsible for conceding the two goals, because his reaction was slow and inappropriate, especially the second goal.

Ibrahim Kamal stressed that “Issa is the most suitable at this stage, and with his experience he will be the reason for the team’s advancement to the World Cup,” while Muhammad Ali stressed that “defense errors bear part of the responsibility, but Issa was the savior in more than one match, most notably against Oman.”

While opinions were divided between supporters and opponents, others called for balance in making technical decisions, considering that change should occur gradually and not as an emotional reaction.

Youssef Al-Khadeem said: “Khaled did not fall short, but is there really anyone better than him now?”, while Sari Fedig saw that “Issa does not need to be removed, but rather a distinguished goalkeeping coach who will restore his confidence.”

As for Ibrahim Kowalik, he wrote: “The UAE national team needs an infusion of new blood, but this must be done with a well-thought-out plan, not as a reaction after a loss.”

• Those demanding change nominate Al-Muqbali for the task.. Others: The time is not right.