Veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, put an end to the controversy surrounding his club's alleged formal complaint about the congested fixture schedule this season. In clear statements during the press conference following his team's victory over Turkmenistan's Erkadag, Jesus clarified the matter, distinguishing between his technical duties and the responsibilities of the club's management.
Background to the crisis: Match pressure in modern football
The issue of congested match schedules is a global challenge facing major clubs competing on multiple fronts, both domestically and continentally. With the increasing number of tournaments and the heightened level of competition, it has become commonplace for top teams to play a match every three or four days. This places immense pressure on players and increases the risk of injuries and fatigue. This debate is particularly relevant in the context of an exceptional Saudi League season, which has attracted international stars and raised the level of competition, making every match demand complete physical and mental preparation, especially for clubs like Al-Nassr, who are striving to win titles.
Jesus's statements: Separation between management and technical staff
Jesus emphasized that any potential objections to the schedule are “purely administrative matters and not within his purview as coach.” He explained, “We are playing a match every three days, which is normal for any big team participating in multiple competitions.” He indicated that his focus is entirely on preparing the players technically and physically for the tough competitions that await the team, both in the Saudi Professional League and the AFC Champions League.
The impact of the busy schedule and Al-Nasr's performance
The Portuguese coach didn't shy away from acknowledging the challenges the team faced due to this pressure, saying, "We went through a difficult period because of some injuries, but the team has clearly improved in recent matches." Jesus praised his players' defensive solidity and tactical discipline, adding, "We've gone nine consecutive matches without conceding a goal thanks to the players' effort and commitment." This achievement highlights the team's ability to cope with difficulties and achieve positive results despite potential fatigue.
A message to the fans and the importance of support
Jesus concluded his remarks with a direct message to Al-Nassr fans, emphasizing that the players are giving their all and deserve their full support. He said, "Al-Nassr players deserve to have their stadiums packed with fans." This appeal aims to boost the team's morale at a crucial stage of the season, where fan support plays a pivotal role in motivating the players. It's worth noting that Al-Nassr secured their qualification in the AFC Champions League after defeating their guest, Erkadag, 1-0, the same scoreline by which they won the first leg.
