Moroccan star and Al-Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah expressed his great welcome and happiness with the step taken by the Al-Shabab club management in appointing veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri as the technical director of the first team, succeeding Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, who was dismissed due to the decline in results.
Context of the decision and its importance to Al Shabab Club
The decision to appoint Ben Zekri comes at a time when Al Shabab, one of the most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, is seeking to regain its footing and get back on track in the Saudi Professional League. The team has suffered from inconsistent performances and results recently, prompting the management to search for a coach with extensive experience in Saudi football, capable of imposing tactical discipline and boosting player morale – qualities for which the Algerian coach is known.
In an exclusive interview with the program “Action with Waleed,” Hamdallah praised the new coach, saying, “He is a very good coach, and Al-Shabab is lucky to have him because he is a distinguished coach who has been successful in all his previous stints in the Saudi League.” Hamdallah, one of the league’s all-time top scorers, added that Benzekri’s previous experience with clubs like Al-Fayha and Damac, where he achieved remarkable successes, makes him the ideal choice to lead Al-Shabab during this crucial period.
Praise for Arab talents and their impact
Hamdallah's remarks weren't limited to praising Benzekri personally; he also addressed a crucial point concerning the status of Arab coaches. The Moroccan striker pointed to a general tendency to favor European coaches, saying, "We always look to European coaches and forget that we have Arab coaches of a very high caliber who are capable of achieving success." This statement reflects a firm belief in the ability of Arab talent to compete and excel in the world of coaching, and that success is not confined to any particular school of football.
The expected impact of Ben Zekri's return
The appointment of Noureddine Benzekri, known for his strong personality and tactical discipline, is expected to have an immediate impact on Al Shabab's performance. The coach is renowned for his ability to build defensively sound and well-organized teams, which could provide the stability the team has been lacking. His return to the Saudi league also intensifies the tactical competition among coaches and adds a unique flavor to the matches, given his passionate style and statements that often attract media and fan attention.
