Portuguese coach Pericles Chamusca, manager of the first football team at Al-Taawoun Club, confirmed that his team’s ambition was entirely focused on winning the three points during the strong match that brought them together with their counterpart Al-Hazm, which ended in an exciting positive draw with a score of 2-2, within the competitions of the seventeenth round of the Saudi Professional League for the current season.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shamouska highlighted the difficult circumstances surrounding the team's preparations for the match, explaining that Al-Qassim's "Sukkari" team entered the game with a significant number of key players absent. The experienced Saudi Arabian coach pointed out that this shortage forced the coaching staff to field several young and up-and-coming players to compensate for the absences. He expressed his pride in the technical and physical level these players displayed on the pitch, demonstrating remarkable maturity despite their young age.
The Portuguese coach addressed a crucial point regarding the scheduling of matches, noting that the pressure of consecutive and intense matches in the Saudi League this season poses enormous physical and mental challenges to all clubs without exception. He emphasized that these circumstances are a natural consequence of the significant development Saudi football is witnessing and the fierce competition in a league that has become the focus of global attention, requiring coaching staff to implement a rotation policy and ensure the complete readiness of all squad members.
It is worth noting that Al-Taawoun has been delivering impressive performances in recent seasons, becoming a formidable force in the competition for Asian Champions League qualification. Credit is due to coach Shamouska, who possesses extensive experience in Saudi football from his previous stints with clubs such as Al-Faisaly, Al-Shabab, and Al-Hilal. His ability to extract the best from his players and utilize available resources with tactical acumen was clearly demonstrated in the team's ability to secure a draw despite a significant number of depleted squad members.
The reliance on young players in such crucial matches reflects a long-term strategy aimed at building a solid foundation for the team's future, a direction that aligns with the general vision for developing football in Saudi Arabia, which aims to empower young talents and refine their skills through direct interaction in tough league matches.
Shamouska concluded his remarks by giving a special salute to his players for the fighting spirit they showed, specifically mentioning the young players who bravely took on the responsibility, stressing that what they presented reflects the positive and professional work environment within the corridors of Al-Taawoun Club, and promises a bright future for the team in the upcoming rounds.
