The technical director of the Saudi Al-Nasr team confirmed his team’s complete readiness to play the anticipated match against Al-Akhdoud, scheduled to be held tomorrow, Saturday, as part of the Saudi Professional League competitions, stressing the importance of the next stage in the team’s journey to compete for local and continental titles.
Challenges after the international break and the pressure of matches
In the pre-match press conference, the Portuguese coach highlighted the difficulties faced by major clubs after international breaks, noting that returning to competition is always like "starting all over again." He also addressed the impact of international players' participation with the Saudi national team, expressing his regret that the Green Falcons did not reach the final of the last tournament despite the team's noticeable technical improvement, which casts a shadow on the physical readiness of the returning players.
January matches are of paramount importance to Al-Nassr, with the coach describing the month as a "difficult period" due to the packed schedule of tough and crucial encounters. He explained that the team will face formidable opponents, requiring intelligent management of the players' physical exertion and effective rotation of the starting lineup to ensure continued points accumulation.
Tactical confrontation in front of the trench
Regarding their upcoming opponent, the Al-Nassr coach expressed great respect for Al-Akhdoud, warning against underestimating them. He pointed out that Al-Akhdoud has strong motivation to fight on the pitch, especially given their fierce desire to avoid relegation. The coach praised the competence of the opposing coaching staff, led by his compatriot Paulo Sergio, emphasizing that Portuguese coaches are known for their tactical discipline, making the match a technical battle that demands high concentration throughout the ninety minutes.
Updates on team injuries and Ronaldo's situation
Regarding absences and medical readiness, Al-Nassr's coach revealed that Ayman Yahya returned from the national team camp with an injury, ruling him out of the upcoming match. He also clarified Martinez's medical status, confirming that he is "not injured," but that his exclusion from the previous match was purely a technical and precautionary measure.
The coach likened Martinez's situation to that of the legendary team captain Cristiano Ronaldo, pointing out that stars who exert a high level of physical effort need well-planned rest periods in some matches to avoid fatigue and muscle injuries, and to ensure they are at their peak in crucial matches.
Tactical flexibility and player deployment
The coach concluded his remarks by addressing technical questions regarding the deployment of midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari in defensive positions when needed. He emphasized that modern coaching philosophy relies on selecting the most suitable players to serve the team's system based on the specific circumstances of each match. He praised his players' flexibility and ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch, which provides the team with additional solutions amidst the anticipated fixture congestion.
