Faris, the assistant technical director of Al-Hilal Club, confirmed the determination of the technical staff and the club’s management to make new deals during the current winter transfer window, in order to compensate for absences and fill gaps that have appeared in the team’s ranks recently, noting that the victory over Al-Hazm and reaching the top of the Roshan Professional League does not negate the need for continuous work to improve the quality of the squad.
In the press conference following the match, Farres stated: "Joao Cancelo started the season with us excellently and was a key pillar in our plans, but he suffered an injury that kept him out of action, creating a technical gap in this position. We are currently in constant and direct contact with the board of directors to strengthen the right-back position during the current period to ensure the team continues at the same high level.".
The context of the competition and the importance of winter reinforcements
This statement comes at a crucial time in the season, as Al-Hilal competes on multiple fronts both domestically and continentally. The club is consistently considered the favorite to win the AFC Champions League title, in addition to its quest to retain its league and King's Cup titles. The winter transfer window is of paramount importance to major clubs, offering an opportunity to rectify their course and address the negative impact of injuries to key players resulting from a congested fixture schedule.
Historically, Al-Hilal is known for its high level of administrative flexibility in dealing with technical crises, as the administration always seeks to provide a ready alternative that possesses a winning mentality. This was indicated by the assistant coach when he emphasized the coordination to sign a new right-back, to ensure that the offensive and defensive aspects of the team are not affected by the absence of a star of Cancelo’s stature.
Praising the young talents and the future of the team
On another note, the coaching staff didn't neglect to praise the contributions of the young players. Faris concluded his remarks by commending Saad Al-Mutairi, saying, "I thank Saad Al-Mutairi for his performance and the great effort he showed in today's match during the minutes he played. He possesses promising potential and will develop significantly in the coming period." This praise underscores the club's strategy of balancing the acquisition of international stars with providing opportunities for young local talents to become a key source of players for the national teams in the future.
