Veteran French coach Christophe Galtier , manager of NEOM FC, issued a stark warning regarding his team's defensive performance, deeming it a major concern ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Riyadh. In a crucial press conference, Galtier emphasized that the responsibility for the defensive fragility doesn't lie solely with the back line, but is a collective one encompassing the entire team. He urged his players to demonstrate greater aggression and focus in the defensive third of the pitch.
Background of fluctuating performance
Galtier's comments come amid the team's recent inconsistent performances. While he expressed partial satisfaction with the fighting spirit shown in the previous match against Al-Akhdoud, where the team managed to recover from a difficult start and conceding early goals, he pointed out that a lack of focus cost the team valuable points. He explained that Neom has only managed four points from its last two matches, whereas a perfect six points could have been achieved were it not for the recurring defensive errors. This highlights the significant challenge facing Neom's ambitious sporting project, which seeks immediate results commensurate with the scale of its investment and aspirations.
The importance of facing Riyadh and the impact of absences
Galtier emphasized that facing Al-Riyadh will be anything but easy, especially since the opposing team is engaged in a fierce battle to avoid relegation from the Yellow League, making them a formidable opponent. He pointed out that Al-Riyadh has shown remarkable improvement both technically and tactically since the winter transfer window, requiring NEOM to deliver a well-rounded performance that combines offensive effectiveness with defensive solidity. Adding to the complexity of the situation are the significant absences within the team. Alaa Hajji is confirmed to be out, while the participation of Ryan Messi remains uncertain as he has yet to arrive in Tabuk, which may force the coach to revise his tactical plans.
NEOM project philosophy and talent development
In a related context, Galtier addressed NEOM's long-term philosophy, which extends beyond simply achieving victories to include developing young players and honing their talents. He cited the transfer of young player Simon Bouabrie to Al-Hilal, emphasizing that the decision was made after discussions with CEO Saad Al-Ladhith. Galtier considered giving a player the opportunity to join a club the size of Al-Hilal a sound decision that serves the player's career and reflects the success of the NEOM project in attracting and developing promising talents, a fundamental part of the club's future vision.
