In a remarkable development within the corridors of Al-Ittihad Club, international defender Ahmed Sharahili broke his silence to reveal the facts related to his absence from the team's starting lineup in the past period, following his effective participation in his team's match against Neom, which ended in a resounding Al-Ittihad victory.
Following the match, Sharahili gave an exclusive interview to Thamaniyah TV, clarifying recent concerns about his physical condition. His remarks categorically denied rumors circulating in sporting circles and on social media platforms, which claimed a recurrence of his injury or his lack of match fitness to compete in the Saudi Professional League.
The reality of injury and physical readiness
The rock of Al-Ittihad's defense sent a direct and reassuring message to the club's vast fan base, saying: "This is untrue, and don't believe anything about me except what is published on the club's official account." This statement comes at a sensitive time, as the player previously suffered a serious injury (cruciate ligament tear) that sidelined him for a long period, leaving fans constantly worried about any news of a possible relapse. However, Sharahili confirmed beyond any doubt that he is in peak physical and technical condition.
Respect for technical decisions and tactical discipline
In discussing his reasons for being on the bench in previous matches, Sharahili demonstrated high professionalism and discipline, emphasizing his complete respect for the coaching staff's vision and the coach's decisions. He clarified that his readiness to play does not necessarily guarantee him a starting position if the tactical plan dictates otherwise, stating, "I cannot start matches on my own," clearly indicating his commitment to the role assigned to him by the coach within the team's collective system.
The importance of Sharahili's return to Al-Ittihad's defense
Sharahili's return to action, as seen in the Neom match, is of paramount importance to Al-Ittihad, who are striving to compete strongly for all domestic and continental titles. Sharahili is a cornerstone of the defense, and his presence provides the coach with a wider range of tactical options, especially given the congested fixture schedule and the high level of competition in the league. Having a local defender with international experience and qualities strengthens the team and reduces its complete reliance on foreign players in that position, allowing the team to utilize those foreign player slots in other attacking roles.
Match result and competition context
These statements came after Al-Ittihad's well-deserved 3-1 victory over hosts Neom in the twelfth round of the Roshan Professional League. This win not only secured three valuable points for the team but also served as a welcome return for several key players, most notably Ahmed Sharahili, who proved his readiness to step in whenever the opportunity arises, promising a more stable defensive performance for Al-Ittihad in the upcoming rounds.
