In a move aimed at managing fatigue and maintaining the team's readiness, Al-Hilal's coaching staff, led by veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus , decided to give the first-team players a day off from group training on Saturday. This decision comes in the wake of the team's important victory over Al-Ettifaq.
Al-Hilal continued their impressive winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq at the Kingdom Arena on Friday evening, in a match that was part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League . The goals for "The Boss" were scored by Serbian star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and captain Salem Al-Dawsari, further cementing the team's comfortable lead at the top of the league table.
The context of the victory and Al-Hilal's exceptional season
This victory comes as part of Al-Hilal's historic run this season, during which the team has broken records both domestically and continentally. Under Jorge Jesus's second stint as manager, the team has delivered a remarkable performance, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, making them the leading contender for all possible titles. The decision to rest the players should not be interpreted as negligence, but rather as part of a carefully considered technical and physical strategy to manage the pressure of consecutive matches and maintain the vitality of key players during the final, crucial stages of the season.
Importance and expected impact: Preparation for major battles
This rest is of paramount importance given Al Hilal's packed schedule. After securing a victory against Al Ettifaq, the team is preparing for a series of high-stakes matches, most notably the highly anticipated "Saudi Clasico" against their arch-rivals Al Ittihad. This clash is not only a league fixture but also a crucial continental encounter in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions . These head-to-head matches will significantly shape the season for both teams and demand complete physical and mental readiness. The team is scheduled to resume training on Sunday evening to begin preparations for these major challenges, as Al Hilal aims to reaffirm its domestic dominance and continue its quest to reclaim its favorite Asian title.
