Following the intense match between Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad in the eleventh round of the Saudi Professional League, Mr. Abdulaziz Fahd Al-Malik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Shabab Club, made frank and direct statements addressing the Al-Shabab sports community, expressing his complete dissatisfaction with the result and the level shown by the team in the classic match, which ended with Al-Shabab losing by two goals to nil.
The owner confirmed in a tweet on his official X account (formerly Twitter) that the team's performance fell short of the expectations and aspirations of the fans for this prestigious club. He clearly indicated that the club's management has been aware since the start of the current season of the difficulties and challenges facing the team, emphasizing that work is proceeding at full speed within the club to address all shortcomings, whether technical, related to the players' and coaching staff's performance, or administrative, related to creating the right environment for success.
The results crisis and the team's position in the standings
These statements come at a critical juncture for Al-Shabab in their Saudi Professional League campaign this season. Following their recent defeat to Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, the team's points tally remains at a mere 8, causing them to drop to 13th place in the standings. This position is unbecoming of the club's history and prestige, a club accustomed to competing for titles and standing atop the podium. This situation places immense pressure on the board and coaching staff to rectify the situation before it's too late.
Apology to the fans and promises to make amends
The club president didn't just diagnose the situation; he also offered a sincere apology to Al-Shabab's loyal fans, expressing his appreciation for their unwavering support through thick and thin. He emphasized that this support reflects the true character of the club's supporters and their devotion to their team, promising to continue his tireless efforts to get the team back on track and restore it to its rightful place as a fierce competitor in the league, thus serving the club's best interests and fulfilling the aspirations of its fans.
The context of competition in the Saudi League
It is worth noting that the Saudi Professional League has witnessed tremendous development and a qualitative leap in recent years in terms of player recruitment and competition, leaving very little room for error for the major clubs. Classic matches, such as the Al-Shabab vs. Al-Ittihad derby, are considered true benchmarks for measuring the teams' readiness. Al-Shabab's return to its former glory is a demand not only of its fans but also for raising the level of competition in the league, given the club's historical and technical weight in the Saudi sports landscape.
