The Saudi national team's exit from the Arab Cup sparked widespread debate in sporting circles. In his article, "A Word from the Head... Escaping Reality," writer Abdulaziz Al-Bukhari highlighted the fundamental reasons behind this lackluster performance, moving beyond the usual emotional appeals to dismiss coaches after every failure. This perspective comes at a time when Saudi football is undergoing major historical transformations at the club level, creating a striking paradox between the strength of the domestic league and the inconsistent performance of the national team.
First-class participation and the impact of foreign professionals
Al-Bukhari strongly criticized the decision to field the first-team squad in a regional tournament like the Arab Cup, pointing out that it was ill-considered, given that the vast majority of these players are not regular starters for their clubs. The main reason for this is the heavy reliance of Saudi clubs on foreign professionals, as the regulations allow for a large number of them in each team, thus limiting opportunities for local players. This decision not only resulted in losing the title but also led to the suspension of the league and a congested fixture schedule, increasing the likelihood of player injuries and fatigue before the more important World Cup.
The paradox of a strong league and a limited national team
It is an undeniable fact that the Saudi League has become one of the strongest leagues in Asia, as evidenced by the dominance of Saudi clubs on the Asian scene and their continental titles. However, the writer believes that this strength stems primarily from foreign stars, while the national team suffers from a scarcity of influential local players, whose number can be counted on one hand, such as Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Buraikan, Musab Al-Juwair, and Hassan Tambakti. This reality poses a significant challenge for any coaching staff taking charge of the national team.
The Moroccan model and proposed solutions
In the context of solutions, Al-Bukhari called for replicating the successful Moroccan experience. The Moroccan national team, which won the Arab Cup with its third-string squad (the local players' team), boasts a solid base of professional players in major European leagues, a fact that positively impacts their national teams at all age levels. In contrast, the professional careers of Saudi players abroad remain very limited, with rare exceptions such as Saud Abdulhamid and Marwan Al-Sahafi.
Looking ahead: The Yellow Dory and Renard's fate
The writer concluded his analysis by emphasizing the need for bold decisions to safeguard the national team's future, most notably reducing the number of foreign players to ensure Saudi players have a starting role, and expanding the scouting network to include the First Division (Yellow League), which is brimming with overlooked talent. Regarding coach Hervé Renard, Al-Bukhari indicated that while a radical overhaul before the World Cup might not be the right time, a thorough evaluation and assessment should be conducted after the tournament to clarify key points and develop a sustainable national strategy.
