Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, manager of Al Shabab FC, put an end to recent speculation surrounding the future of Belgian star Yannick Carrasco, definitively confirming the player's continued presence with the team until the end of the current season. These decisive statements were made during the pre-match press conference ahead of the team's anticipated clash against Al Fayha in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Background of Carrasco's transfer and its impact on the Saudi League
Yannick Carrasco's move to Al-Shabab in the summer of 2023 from Atlético Madrid was one of the most prominent transfers in Saudi Arabia. This transfer came amidst a significant transformation of the Roshan League, which attracted a number of international football stars, raising the level of competition and media attention to the tournament both regionally and internationally. Some press reports during the last winter transfer window raised doubts about the player's desire to leave, which coach Alguacil completely denied.
Alguacil's statements and his confirmation of the player's continuity
In response to a direct question about Carrasco's future, Alguacil said: "I have no doubts about him staying with the team until the end of the season. He has been committed since I took over, and he was recently sidelined with an injury ." With this statement, the coach put an end to any rumors, emphasizing the Belgian player's importance as a key element in his tactical plans for the remainder of the season. Carrasco's continued presence is a significant morale boost for the team, as he represents a powerful attacking force and contributes to the club's ambitions of competing for a top position in the league standings.
Team development and satisfaction with new signings
The coach's remarks weren't limited to the Carrasco situation; he also offered a general assessment of the team's performance, expressing his satisfaction with the noticeable improvement. He added, "The positive aspect is that the team has developed in all aspects, especially in recent matches. I'm happy with the new signings and the players who have made a difference, and we hope to continue at this pace." He also addressed preparations for the Al-Fayha match, saying, "There were no group training sessions yesterday, and today we will assess the readiness of all the players.".
Alguacil concluded his remarks by revealing the latest updates on the injured players, explaining: “Hamad Al-Yami and Iago Santos have started their rehabilitation program and have not yet participated in group training, but they have improved a lot in several aspects.”.
