All Whites coach Danny Hay reiterates his side are comfortable with their safety measures in place for their UAE base, despite a missile attack on Abu Dhabi being intercepted earlier this week.
On Tuesday (NZ time), a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi militia was intercepted by the US military, with the All Whites on the ground in the UAE before this week's fixtures against Jordan and Uzbekistan.
New Zealand Football have moved to ensure the team's safety, with chief executive Andrew Pragnell on Wednesday telling Newshub of his confidence in the systems in place.
That doubles for coach Hay, who despite any imminent threat has had to keep his side focussed, as they eye valuable game-time before FIFA World Cup qualifying in March.
"It's probably something we don't get to experience in New Zealand, thankfully, all that often," Hay says.
"We've worked closely with the consulate, New Zealand Football are speaking regularly on a daily basis.
"From my perspective, and talking to the senior leaders in the team, everyone's really comfortable with the precautions that are taking place.
"If we felt there was any risk, we'd be trying to get out of here as quickly as possible.
"But as it stands, all the information we've got, all the feedback we've got, we feel we're in a good place to stay and play the game."
That's not all Hay and the All Whites have had to contend with in the UAE either.
The team are without midfielder Joe Champness, unable to join the team after being trapped by a Turkish snowstorm preventing him from departing, while goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic has been ruled out with a positive COVID-19 test.
But for Hay, the All Whites are only made stronger through adversity.
"In terms of players, that's been a few things we've had to deal with," he adds.
"The likes of Joey Champness not being able to get out of Istanbul, he's been snowed in. Poor old Stefan picking up a positive COVID test, having to bring other players in.
"That's just part and parcel of the world we live in.
"But we're fully focussed on the game, solely focussed on the game if I'm really honest. The group are in really good spirits. The culture among this team is really enjoyable to be part of."
