Frenchman Christophe Galtier, manager of Neom FC, expressed his complete dissatisfaction with some of the refereeing decisions during his team's match against Al-Ittihad, which ended in a loss for Neom in the twelfth round of the Roshan Professional League. The veteran French coach made these remarks during the post-match press conference, where he highlighted his team's performance and the crucial moments that changed the course of the game.
Details of the press conference and Galletier's artistic vision
In his remarks to the media, Galtier emphasized that his team delivered a footballing epic and displayed a high level of skill against a seasoned opponent like Al-Ittihad, a team boasting a wealth of international and local stars across all positions. The former Paris Saint-Germain coach explained that Nyom was no pushover, proving a formidable opponent throughout the match. He also noted that the final score might not necessarily reflect the level of possession or the quality of the chances created by either side.
Refereeing controversies and missed opportunities
Speaking about the refereeing decisions, Galtier made a surprising claim, asserting that his team deserved a clear penalty kick in the 18th minute of the first half. He emphasized that the referee overlooked the penalty, which would have changed the course of the match early on and given Neom a psychological advantage. The coach also addressed the clear-cut chances his team missed, specifically the two opportunities that fell to striker Ahmed Abdo at a crucial moment when Al-Ittihad were leading 2-1. He felt that Abdo lacked the finishing touch to convert those chances into goals that would have leveled the score.
NEOM's offensive philosophy and future challenges
Tactically, Galtier defended his open style of play, which he acknowledged might create space at the back, explaining that NEOM's identity is built on attacking football and a willingness to push forward. He stated, "This is our culture, and we know that attacking football can leave gaps, but we will always strive to deliver our best." This statement reflects the philosophy the French coach is trying to instill in the Saudi team, drawing on his extensive experience in the French league.
Galtier concluded his remarks by discussing the next steps, emphasizing the importance of putting the Al-Ittihad match behind them and immediately beginning the players' physical recovery in preparation for the upcoming match against Al-Hazm in the next round. Neom, through its ongoing efforts, aims to rectify mistakes and continue achieving positive results befitting the club's ambitions and its promising sporting project in the Kingdom.
