On a night filled with emotion, Uruguayan coach Daniel Carreño, manager of Al-Riyadh FC, spoke about his team's defeat against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh derby, part of the Saudi Professional League. The match, held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, was more than just an ordinary encounter for the veteran coach; it was a meeting steeped in memories against the team he had previously led to historic achievements.
In the post-match press conference, Carreno analyzed the loss, pointing to several factors that affected his team's performance. He said, "The psychological aspect greatly influenced today's result. We tried everything to achieve a positive outcome. The team played with a high fighting spirit, and we will achieve greater results in the future, but we must improve further ." Carreno emphasized that facing a team of Al-Nassr's caliber, packed with international stars, places significant psychological pressure on the players, which is what he sought to manage.
Historical background and special connection to victory
Carreno's statements take on deeper significance when considering his history with Al-Nassr. He is considered one of the most prominent coaches in the club's history, having led them to the Saudi League title in the 2013-2014 season after a long drought, in addition to winning the Crown Prince Cup in the same season, making him a beloved figure among Al-Nassr fans. This illustrious history is what the coach clearly alluded to, expressing his sincere feelings with utmost professionalism.
Carreno added in his remarks: “I certainly love Al-Nassr very much, but I am currently the coach of Al-Riyadh, and my goal was to secure the three points from the match to improve the team’s position in the Roshan Professional League standings .” This statement reflects his complete commitment to his current project with Al-Riyadh and his efforts to steer them away from the relegation zone.
The importance of the match and its impact on both teams
The result of the match was crucial for both sides. Al-Nassr was striving to continue its pursuit of the league leaders in the title race, and a win was essential to maintain their lead. For Al-Riyadh, newly promoted to the Pro League, every point was vital in their battle to avoid relegation. The loss puts added pressure on the team to achieve positive results in the upcoming rounds.
Regarding future plans, Carreno did not reveal much, saying: “There is nothing new regarding the current winter transfer window ,” hinting that the current focus is on developing the current group of players and raising their technical and physical level to meet the great challenges in one of the strongest seasons in the history of the Saudi League.
