Damac FC officially announced the signing of Brazilian coach Fabio Carille to lead the first team until the end of the current season. This decision comes as a crucial step aimed at correcting the team's course, which has been suffering from a decline in results recently in the Saudi Professional League.
Carille's appointment comes as a replacement for Portuguese coach Armando Evangelista, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent following a string of poor results that left the team languishing near the bottom of the league table and increasing the risk of relegation to the second division. The club's management hopes this coaching change will inject new life into the team and leverage the Brazilian coach's experience to ensure their survival in the professional league.
Historical background and experience in Saudi stadiums
Fabio Carille, 50, is no stranger to Saudi football, boasting a rich resume and previous experience in the Roshan League. He previously coached Al-Wehda in the 2018-2019 season before embarking on a notable stint with Al-Ittihad between 2020 and 2021, leading them to impressive results and a strong challenge for top positions. This prior knowledge of the league, the players, and the competitive landscape was a key factor in Damac's decision to appoint him, hoping to expedite his adaptation and achieve immediate positive results.
Carille has a remarkable coaching career, most notably leading Brazilian club Corinthians to win the Brazilian league title in 2017, in addition to winning the Sao Paulo state championship three times in a row, reflecting his ability to build tactically strong teams and achieve titles.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
Domestically, Carille's appointment is seen primarily as a "rescue mission." The Brazilian coach's main objective will be to lift the team out of the relegation zone, improve both defensive and offensive performances, and accumulate as many points as possible in the remaining league matches. Known for his tactical discipline and emphasis on defensive organization, Carille is expected to implement a new style of play that could help reduce the number of goals conceded, a major problem for the team under his predecessor.
Regionally, this appointment reflects the high dynamism and intense competitiveness of the Saudi Professional League, where there is no room for complacency. Even clubs competing in the middle or bottom of the standings are now attracting coaches with international stature and experience. Damac, under the guidance of coach Carille, is preparing for a crucial upcoming match against Al-Taawoun in the 22nd round of the league, to be held at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah. This match will be the first real test for the new coach.
