Al-Fateh FC announced its preparation plan during the current break in the Saudi Professional League, with the first team's coaching staff, led by coach Gomez, granting the players a seven-day rest period. This move comes as an opportunity to recharge and recharge before entering a crucial phase of the season.
According to the official club statement, the team is scheduled to resume group training on December 7th, beginning an intensive preparation program aimed at getting the team back on track after a difficult period. This preparatory period will include two friendly matches, which will serve as a true test of the players' response to the new tactical plans and assess their technical and physical readiness.
Friendly match schedule:
- December 9: Al-Fateh vs. Al-Tadhamon Kuwait
- December 12: Al-Fateh vs. Al-Ittifaq
These two matches are of paramount importance. Facing Kuwait's Al-Tadhamon offers the coaching staff the opportunity to play against a different style of football and test some players who haven't had enough playing time. The second match against Al-Ettifaq serves as a valuable test, given that they are direct competitors in the Roshan League, which will help the team gauge its true level before returning to official competitions.
Difficult context and major challenges
This break comes at a critical time for Al-Fateh, nicknamed "The Model," a club that achieved a historic feat by winning the Saudi League title in the 2012-2013 season. The team is currently suffering a significant decline in results, languishing in 17th place (second to last) in the Roshan League standings with only 5 points. Adding to their woes was their recent elimination from the King's Cup after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals.
Importance and expected impact
Domestically, this pre-season period is a lifeline for the team. Coach Gomez aims to use it to address the defensive and offensive errors that were evident in previous matches, as well as to boost player morale. Achieving positive results in the two friendlies would restore the team's confidence before their crucial upcoming match after the restart, when they host Al-Akhdoud on December 20th in the tenth round of the league. This match is key to starting their escape from the relegation zone, and any slip-up could significantly complicate the team's task in the remaining rounds of this unprecedentedly competitive season.
