Nolberto Solano: I would like to play like Klopp but you need to be realistic'

"My first step is that we have to be competitive and not [have] everybody thinking about playing against Pakistan: Three points in the pocket.' No! We will try to be very competitive. We have to face every challenge in front of us. We have these couple of games we're working really hard to get Pakistan qualified for the Asian Cup. That will be fantastic for everyone."

"I would like to play like [Jurgen] Klopp, I like [Pep] Guardiola's style, but you need to be realistic. My philosophy is trying to build a very good team, very good team spirit. That's very important to survive, especially when you play in the high level We want to work really hard and with all the issues we have got we have to be together. No excuses, Pakistan this, Pakistan that. Those issues are very real."

Nolberto Solano took charge of Pakistan's men's national team in July with the explicit aim of qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time. Solano emphasizes competitiveness, realistic tactical ambition inspired by Klopp and Guardiola, and a focus on team spirit. Pakistan faces crucial qualifiers beginning with Afghanistan at home, followed by matches against Syria and Myanmar. Solano acknowledges major structural problems, including the absence of a functioning domestic league and elite facilities, and commits to hard work, unity and pragmatic planning to overcome logistical and developmental obstacles and pursue historic qualification.

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