Crisis in Buraidah: Al-Taawon squanders 11 points and falls further away from the top four
Al-Taawoun FC, representing the city of Buraidah, has entered a critical phase in its campaign in the Saudi Professional League after a string of poor results that have cost it 11 valuable points in just the last four rounds. This noticeable decline has shaken the team's stability and caused it to gradually fall away from the top positions it had been strongly competing for since the beginning of the season, putting its Asian Champions League aspirations in jeopardy.
The recent loss to Al-Fayha in round 23 was another blow that deepened the team's wounds, as it stopped its tally at 39 points, causing it to drop to fifth place in the standings, after being one of the top four teams in the first half of the season.
From the dark horse to the spiral of doubt
Al-Taawoun, nicknamed "The Sugar of Qassim," delivered a remarkable performance in the first half of the season, with critics and fans placing them among the top contenders for the league positions. Founded in 1956, the team boasts a history of competitiveness and attractive football, and was considered a dark horse this season, capable of challenging the established giants, especially given the significant support the Saudi league has received and its attraction of international stars. However, the picture changed dramatically in the final rounds, with a decline in performance and fluctuating results, directly impacting the team's position in the standings and causing concern among its supporters.
The local and Asian impact of declining results
This decline not only impacts the team's domestic standing but also jeopardizes its continental ambitions. Securing a top-four finish in the Saudi Professional League guarantees a place in the AFC Champions League, the continent's premier club competition. Asian participation not only elevates the club's regional profile but also provides substantial financial rewards and the opportunity to compete against diverse footballing styles. Failing to achieve this objective after such a strong start would be a major disappointment for the management, players, and fans who had high hopes for their team this season.
Technical problems and increasing pressure
The recent loss wasn't just about losing three points; it exposed clear technical problems, both in defensive organization and attacking effectiveness. The team appeared far from the spirit and dynamism that characterized them in the first half of the season. The players also seemed mentally affected by the mounting pressure from fans and the media demanding a change in course.
Amid this decline, signs are mounting of tension between Brazilian coach Pericles Chamusca and the club's management. This situation raises several questions about the future of the coaching staff and whether the management will give the coach a chance to turn things around, or whether they will make a decisive move in the coming period to salvage what they can. With crucial rounds remaining in the league race, Al-Taawoun will have to reorganize both its technical and administrative structure if it wants to maintain its chances of finishing the season in the top positions and returning to the title race strongly.
