In statements eagerly awaited by Saudi fans, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the technical director of Al-Hilal Club, spoke about the anticipated match that will bring his team together with Al-Ahli Club, within the competitions of the nineteenth round of the Saudi Professional League, which will be hosted by the “Kingdom Arena” stadium in a football summit that promises a lot of excitement and competitiveness.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the oldest and fiercest matches in the history of Saudi football. The rivalry between the two teams spans decades and has always been characterized by intense competition for domestic and continental titles. This season, the match takes on added significance due to the international presence in the Saudi Professional League, with both teams boasting a constellation of global stars, raising expectations and making it a focal point for fans worldwide.
Jesus's statements and the team's challenges
During the pre-match press conference, Jesus indicated that a final decision regarding the readiness of some players had not yet been made. He said, “I cannot yet say for certain about the readiness of all the team members for the upcoming match against Al Ahly. This will become clear after the final training session, and we will continue to work hard to reach the best possible lineup.”.
The veteran coach did not hesitate to acknowledge the challenge facing his team, adding: “Al-Hilal has been suffering from a clear problem recently, which is conceding goals from set pieces. We are aware of this problem and are working with great focus in training to address these defensive errors and prevent their recurrence in crucial matches.”.
The expected impact of the match on the league standings
Jesus concluded his remarks by emphasizing the team's primary objective in this match, stating, "Our goal is clear and unwavering: to achieve victory and secure the three points. A win against a formidable team like Al-Ahli is crucial to maintaining our position at the top of the Roshan Professional League standings and widening the gap with our closest rivals." He added that winning this match is not merely about securing three points, but also represents a tremendous morale boost for the team in the long and arduous title race, and a powerful message to all competing teams that Al-Hilal is determined to maintain its dominance this season.
