The absence of Moroccan star Mourad Batna from Al-Fateh's starting lineup in their match against Al-Hazm in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League raised many questions among fans and analysts. In the post-match press conference, Al-Fateh's assistant coach, Egyptian Ahmed Magdy, revealed the real reasons behind this important tactical decision.
Magdy explained that the decision to keep Batna on the bench at the start of the match was not purely disciplinary or tactical, but rather a precautionary measure due to the player's extreme fatigue resulting from the congested fixture schedule. He pointed out that the team as a whole was physically affected by the considerable effort exerted in the previous match against Al-Ittihad, necessitating player rotation and rest for key players to prevent further fatigue or injuries that could jeopardize the team's performance in the crucial stages of the season.
The context of competition and the importance of burnout management
This decision comes amidst an exceptional season in the Saudi Professional League, characterized by intense competition among all teams, both at the top and in the middle of the standings. Managing the players' physical conditioning, especially key players like Mourad Batna, is a crucial factor in a club's ability to maintain its competitive edge. Al-Fateh's coaching staff's decision reflects an awareness of the importance of preserving players' fitness in the long term, rather than risking them in a single match that could lead to a longer absence.
The impact of the decision on the match and a fair result
Despite Batna's absence in the first half, Al-Fateh performed well but lacked the final touch in front of goal against Al-Hazm, whom coach Ahmed Magdy described as a "respectable team" that put on a strong performance. With Batna's introduction in the second half, replacing his teammate Hussein Qassem, the team's attacking effectiveness increased, and Al-Fateh managed to snatch a last-minute equalizer, ending the match 1-1. Magdy considered the draw a fair and just result for both sides, acknowledging that his players missed several scoring opportunities. However, he praised the team's fighting spirit, which enabled them to come back and avoid defeat, emphasizing that the match was important and saw numerous tactical changes made by the coaching staff.
