A hard-fought victory and ongoing challenges for the Dean
Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, manager of Al-Ittihad, emphasized the importance of his team's victory over Al-Fayha in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. In the post-match press conference, Gallardo described the win as "extremely important," praising the strength of the opponent, who possesses a competent coach and outstanding players, especially considering Al-Fayha entered the match with high morale after a series of consecutive victories.
Despite securing the three points, Gallardo didn't hesitate to highlight one of the team's biggest problems this season: their lack of attacking efficiency. He stated, "Al-Ittihad is the league's most wasteful team in front of goal. We dominated the match, and Al-Fayha only managed one shot on target throughout the entire game. We must continue working hard to improve this crucial aspect.".
Recalling the controversial Al-Nasr match
The Argentine coach's comments weren't limited to the Al-Fayha match; he also recalled the derby against Al-Nassr, a game marred by controversial refereeing decisions. Gallardo pointed out that his team suffered from the same problem in that match, creating numerous chances without converting them into goals. He added, "In the Al-Nassr game, we reached the opponent's goal many times, and if we had been awarded the clear penalty we deserved, the match would have taken a completely different course." This statement reflects the immense pressure the team is under and their desire to get back on track after inconsistent results in top-of-the-table clashes.
The context of the season and its impact on the federation
This victory comes at a crucial time for Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions. After an exceptional season, the club has found itself facing significant challenges this year, both due to injuries to key players and a decline in form from some of its stars. Despite strong summer reinforcements with the signings of world-class players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho, the team has been unable to maintain its competitive edge, falling behind in the title race dominated by Al-Hilal. Al-Ittihad's current objective is securing a spot in the AFC Champions League, making every point vital in the remaining stages of the season. Gallardo's statements demonstrate his full awareness of the responsibility placed upon him to improve finishing and restore the team's confidence to achieve its remaining goals.
