In a decisive statement aimed at establishing order and clarifying roles within the team, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, revealed the designated penalty-taking order following the team's match against Al-Fayha in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. This clarification came to dispel any doubt after star player Salem Al-Dawsari missed a penalty kick during the match held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Background and general context of the event
This debate comes amidst an exceptional season for Al-Hilal, who sit comfortably atop the league standings and deliver impressive performances both domestically and continentally. With a constellation of international and local stars, even the smallest details, such as designating a penalty taker, become crucial for maintaining stability and avoiding any disruption that could affect the players' focus. Salem Al-Dawsari is considered one of the club's most prominent players and was the usual penalty taker in the past. However, the arrival of big names like the Portuguese Ruben Neves, known for his exceptional shooting accuracy, has raised questions about who will be the primary penalty taker under coach Jesus's new strategy.
Jesus's statements and their impact
During the post-match press conference, Jesus said: “Ruben Neves is the team’s first-choice penalty taker. It’s normal for mistakes to happen when taking penalties like these, and we shouldn’t forget the goalkeeper’s skill in saving them.” The Portuguese coach added, praising the team’s collective effort: “Al-Hilal’s attackers create numerous opportunities and perform well, and this is the result of a well-rounded team effort. The result of the match has a psychological impact on our journey towards the title, and the players’ overall performance makes me very optimistic about the future.”.
Importance and expected impact
Jesus's statement carries significance that extends beyond simply defining a technical role on the field. Locally, this decision reinforces the coach's authority and reflects his clear methodology in distributing tasks based purely on technical vision, thus enhancing professionalism within the team. It also alleviates pressure on a player of Salem Al-Dawsari's caliber, allowing him to focus on his other responsibilities on the pitch. On a broader level, this decision reflects the significant transformation underway in the Roshan League, where names and seniority are no longer the sole criteria. Instead, the tactical plans of world-class coaches now determine key roles, raising the overall level of competition and organization in Saudi football.
