In a surprising tactical decision, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, decided to exclude one of his key foreign players from the squad called up for the crucial match against Al-Akhdoud in the Saudi Professional League. This decision has sparked numerous questions in sporting circles regarding the reasons behind it, especially given the team's ambition to maintain their unbeaten record and extend their lead at the top of the table.
According to sources close to the club, the exclusion was a purely technical decision by coach Jesus, who aims to implement a rotation policy and rest some key players. This comes amidst a busy schedule for Al-Hilal both domestically and continentally, as the team strives to compete strongly for all possible titles, including the AFC Champions League and the King's Cup, requiring all players to be in peak physical condition during the crucial stages of the season.
General context: An exceptional season for Al-Hilal under the leadership of Jesus
Al-Hilal is enjoying a historic season under the guidance of returning coach Jorge Jesus. The team has not only comfortably topped the Roshan League standings, but has also achieved a historic winning streak, placing them among the world's elite clubs. This success is a direct result of the significant support the club received during the summer transfer window, which saw the acquisition of world-class players such as Neymar Jr., Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves, giving the team exceptional depth and attacking prowess across all positions.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
Domestically, Jesus's decision demonstrates his strong confidence in all members of the squad and the ability of substitutes to perform at the same level as the starters. This fosters a competitive spirit within the team and gives other players the opportunity to prove themselves. Strategically, resting key players in matches that are considered a foregone conclusion, such as the Al-Akhdoud game (with all due respect to them), is a smart move to ensure their readiness for more challenging matches and avoid the risk of fatigue and injuries that could derail the team's hopes in the final stretch of the season. This decision reflects the Portuguese coach's tactical maturity and his ability to effectively manage a star-studded team, which is considered one of the most important secrets to Al-Hilal's success this season.
