Portuguese coach José Gomes, manager of Al-Fateh FC, expressed his immense happiness and pride in the valiant performance of his players, which culminated in a valuable victory over Al-Shabab in the intense match that brought the two teams together in the thirteenth round of the Saudi Professional League. This victory confirms Al-Fateh's ability to compete with the top clubs in the Saudi league, which is witnessing unprecedented development.
The comeback from afar and the fighting spirit
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gomes praised the fans' pivotal role, saying, "Our fans are more than wonderful and support us every time." The Portuguese coach admitted that his team's start to the match was not as good as hoped, stating, "We had a poor start, but we got back into the game thanks to our correct positioning." This statement highlights the significant tactical work undertaken by the coaching staff to correct errors during the game, as proper positioning is one of the most important pillars of modern football for closing down spaces for strong opponents like Al-Shabab.
Controversy surrounding the sixth substitution and Wesley's injury
The match witnessed an incident that raised questions about the newly introduced refereeing rules, specifically concerning the case of player Wesley, who suffered a head injury but continued playing. In response to a question from Al-Midan newspaper about whether the head injury allowed Al-Fateh to make a sixth substitution (according to FIFA's newly adopted concussion protocol), Gomez explained: "Due to the change in the Laws of the Game and the player's condition, the results will be available after 24 hours." This response underscores the medical and technical staff's commitment to the new regulations, which prioritize player safety, as the new rules grant teams the right to make an additional substitution in cases of suspected concussion.
The importance of winning in the context of the league
The Al-Fateh coach added, emphasizing the psychological factor: "We achieved the victory and the three points thanks to the players' great fighting spirit." This win holds special significance for Al-Fateh, not only because it came against a formidable opponent like Al-Shabab, but also because it boosts the team's confidence in their league campaign, especially given the intense competition this season and the close levels between the mid-table and top teams.
A warning message for the future
Gomez concluded his remarks with a clear message to his players aimed at maintaining consistency, saying: "We are not allowed to be complacent or relaxed, and Al-Fateh is required to perform at its best in every match." This conclusion reflects the coach's professional mindset, which rejects complacency based on immediate results and demands continuous effort to ensure the team remains competitive throughout the long league season.
