Neom's French manager, Christophe Galtier, confirmed his team's complete readiness for their upcoming match against Al-Fateh, emphasizing that the team enters the game with very high morale following their valuable victory against Al-Hazm in the previous round. These statements come as part of the team's intensive preparations to ensure they maintain their winning streak and climb the league standings.
During Thursday's press conference to discuss the details of the match, Galtier explained that facing Al-Fateh would be anything but easy. He pointed out that the opponent employs a high-pressing and aggressive style of play, a style that has clearly proven challenging for major teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in previous rounds. The veteran French coach added, "Al-Fateh is a pragmatic team that doesn't take unnecessary risks. We have prepared well for them, studying all their strengths and weaknesses, and we will explain these precise details to the players in the technical meeting to ensure the plan is executed flawlessly.".
In discussing the opponent's key players, the Neom coach revealed his plan to neutralize Al-Fateh's star players. He emphasized that the dangerous attacking duo of Mourad Batna and Vargas would be closely marked by Neom's defenders, given their exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities and convert half-chances. Galtier also praised the strength of Al-Fateh's midfield, specifically mentioning Ben Debka and Zaidou Youssef, whom he described as the driving force behind the opposing team's attacks.
Regarding the technical aspects of the NEOM team, Galtier clearly addressed a weakness the coaching staff is working to rectify: the tendency to concede goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches. The coach emphasized that he is working diligently with the players to improve their mental focus and physical fitness until the final whistle, in order to avoid dropping points in the dying moments – a crucial factor in a highly competitive league.
This match holds particular significance within the context of NEOM FC's project, as the team, led by Galtier, who possesses extensive European experience, seeks to establish itself among the elite in the Roshan League. Facing a seasoned team like Al-Fateh will be a true test of the team's ability to develop and compete for top positions, especially given the substantial support and high expectations surrounding the club's future.
It is worth noting that NEOM will host Al-Fateh next Saturday evening at 5:00 PM, as part of the 14th round of the Roshan Professional League. NEOM enters the match in seventh place with 20 points, aiming to reach 23 points, while Al-Fateh sits in tenth place with 14 points, making this a direct battle to improve their positions in the mid-table.
