In a notable move, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, made a decisive technical and administrative decision regarding foreign striker Marcos Leonardo, just hours before the anticipated match against Al-Ettifaq in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. The decision involved transferring the player to individual training and excluding him from the starting lineup for the match.
According to reports, this decision was both a disciplinary and technical measure. The immediate cause was the player's recent registration in the local squad list in place of his Uruguayan teammate, Darwin Núñez, a move that sparked controversy. Sources add that this registration came after Leonardo refused to leave Al-Hilal during the last winter transfer window, despite having an offer to join Atlético Madrid. He preferred to stay and compete for his position.
General context: The challenge of the foreign player quota in the Saudi League
Jesus's decision comes amidst the significant challenges facing coaches in the Saudi Professional League, particularly regarding the foreign player roster. Saudi Arabian Football Federation regulations allow each club to register eight foreign players, with the possibility of fielding all of them in a single match. This leaves coaches constantly perplexed about selecting the ideal lineup for each game, sometimes requiring them to make difficult decisions to exclude star players for technical or disciplinary reasons to ensure balance and maintain dressing room stability.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
This decision carries significant weight on several levels. Domestically, Jorge Jesus is sending a clear message to all players that discipline and adherence to the coaching staff's instructions are fundamental to their participation, regardless of their name or star status. On a team level, the decision could impact the attacking options available to the coach in a challenging match against Al-Ettifaq, managed by Englishman Steven Gerrard. Jesus is expected to rely on other strikers to compensate for Leonardo's absence, placing greater responsibility on the remaining forwards. The stability of Al-Hilal, comfortably leading the league, depends heavily on their coach's ability to manage his star-studded squad, and this decision represents a new test of that ability.
Al-Hilal is preparing to face Al-Ettifaq on Friday evening at the “Kingdom Arena”, its new home ground, with its sights set on continuing its historic winning streak and further distancing itself at the top of the Saudi Roshan League standings.
