In a detailed analysis of his team's performance, Portuguese coach Armando Evangelista, the technical director of Damac FC, attributed the team's loss to Neom by a score of three goals to nil, in the nineteenth round of the Saudi Roshan League, to two main factors: extreme fatigue and the pressure of consecutive matches, which affected the players' physical and mental readiness.
General context and challenges of the season
This setback comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing an exceptionally competitive and intense season, with clubs attracting top international stars, raising the bar for all teams, including Damac, who have delivered impressive performances that have placed them high up the table. The loss to Neom serves as a wake-up call for the team, which is striving to maintain its position and compete for a spot in Asian competitions. Evangelista is known for his ability to build tactically organized teams, but the biggest challenge this season lies in managing fatigue and the depth of the available squad to cope with a congested schedule.
Technical and tactical analysis of the match
Evangelista explained that the difficult circumstances, including frequent travel and a lack of rest days, forced him to make cautious tactical decisions at the start of the match. He opted for a three-man defense to solidify the back line and absorb the opponent's pressure. Despite this, the team conceded goals that disrupted his plans. The coach praised his players' response in the second half, emphasizing that the team changed its tactics and adopted a more attacking approach. They succeeded in creating genuine scoring opportunities and dominating the game, but a lack of precision and a poor final touch in front of goal, coupled with a strong performance from Nyom's goalkeeper, Maximiano, prevented them from turning the game around.
Expected impact and future outlook
This loss impacts the team's progress and places additional pressure on the players and coaching staff in the upcoming matches. In a ruthless league, dropping three points can lead to a significant drop in the standings. Evangelista emphasized that the biggest challenge now is managing the increasing number of injuries and suspensions given the limited options. He concluded his remarks on an optimistic note, stressing that work is proceeding rapidly to find quick solutions, both physically and tactically, to overcome this difficult period and return to winning ways. He expressed his confidence in his players' ability to bounce back and continue fighting to achieve the club's goals this season.
