The Brazilian coach of Al-Taawoun, Pericles Chamusca, expressed his great happiness and pride in the heroic performance of his team’s players, which culminated in a well-deserved victory over their counterparts, Al-Riyadh, by three goals to one, in the strong match that brought the two teams together on Sunday evening as part of the sixteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.
In the post-match press conference, Chamusca emphasized that the three points were crucial for maintaining the team's position in the top four, especially given the fierce competition in the league this season. The coach highlighted the players' tactical and mental strength, pointing to a pivotal turning point in the match: the team's continued attacking approach and pursuit of goals despite being down to ten men after the red card. He asserted that this decision reflected the character of champions and their unwavering desire to win rather than retreat into defense.
The veteran Brazilian coach added: "The match scenario was very complex and difficult, but we managed to deal with all the variables intelligently. I congratulate the players on this victory, as we have a remarkable winning streak, and maintaining this continuity is the most difficult thing in an exceptional and historic season for the Saudi League.".
Regarding dealing with the pressure of matches, Shamouska concluded his remarks by noting his technical strategy based on "rotation" among the players, explaining that the succession of matches and their difficulty require him to make continuous changes in the formation to avoid fatigue and reduce the rate of injuries, which ensures that the team continues to deliver these positive results until the end of the season.
The context of the competition and Al-Taawoun's status as a "dark horse"
: This victory solidifies Al-Taawoun's position as a "dark horse" in the Saudi Professional League this season. Despite the massive support and international signings made by the established clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad), Al-Taawoun has managed to break the giants' monopoly and challenge them for the top spots. This victory gives it a significance that transcends the mere three points; it sends a powerful message confirming the team's ability to continue competing for Asian Champions League qualification.
Shamouska's philosophy and experience in Saudi stadiums:
This performance cannot be separated from the imprint of coach Pericles Shamouska, who is considered one of the most experienced coaches in Saudi football in recent years. After his previous successful stints with Al-Faisaly and Al-Shabab, Shamouska was able to build a solid tactical system at Al-Taawoun based on discipline and high organization, which was clearly demonstrated in their ability to win despite adverse circumstances in the Al-Riyadh match. These results are a fruit of the technical and administrative stability the club enjoys, making it a formidable force in the Saudi Professional League.
It is worth noting that Al-Taawoun currently occupies an advanced position in the standings, as it is in third place, on goal difference from Al-Nasr in second place and Al-Ahli in fourth place, which ignites the struggle for second place and the positions that qualify for the AFC Champions League in the upcoming rounds.
