Veteran Uruguayan coach José Daniel Carreño is facing a very difficult period with Al-Riyadh FC, having failed to secure a single point since taking over the team's technical leadership, putting the club's future in the Saudi Professional League in jeopardy. These poor results have come as a shock to the team's fans, especially given the high hopes placed on the experienced coach to lift the team out of its slump.
A rocky start and a series of defeats
Carreno suffered his fourth consecutive defeat with Al-Riyadh this season, the latest being a heavy 4-0 loss to Al-Qadisiyah in the 14th round (according to the postponed or rescheduled matches) at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium. Carreno officially took over on November 14th, replacing Spanish coach Javier Calleja, who was dismissed due to poor results. However, the coaching change has failed to produce the anticipated positive impact.
Since taking over as manager, Carreno has led the team in four matches, losing them all and failing to improve their position in the league standings. The journey began with a difficult match against Al-Ittihad on November 21st, which ended in a relatively respectable 2-1 defeat, before the competition was suspended due to the Saudi national team's participation in the 2025 Arab Cup.
Defensive collapse and offensive impotence
Following the return from the international break, the bleeding of points continued; the team lost to Al-Ettifaq by two goals to nil in a match that witnessed the expulsion of player Mohammed Al-Khaibari, followed by a painful loss to Al-Hazm by two goals to one, leading up to the resounding defeat against Al-Qadisiyah by four goals.
The statistics reveal a clear technical flaw: Al-Riyadh conceded 10 goals in just four matches under Carreno's management, averaging 2.5 goals per game. This alarming statistic highlights deep defensive vulnerabilities that the Uruguayan coach has failed to address. Offensively, the team managed only two goals (against Al-Ittihad and Al-Hazm), demonstrating a lack of attacking options and clinical finishing.
Historical context and downside risks
José Daniel Carreño enjoys a strong reputation in Saudi football, thanks to his previous successful stints, most notably with Al-Nassr, which raised expectations when he was hired. However, the current situation with Al-Riyadh is quite different, as the team suffers from a lack of quality in several positions, making the coach's task more complicated in a league that now boasts a selection of world-class players and is highly competitive.
With these results continuing, the specter of relegation to the Yellow Division looms large over the team. If the situation is not addressed quickly, Al-Riyadh will be one of the leading candidates to leave the top flight.
An uncertain future and controversial statements
Carreno's post-match comments following the Al-Qadisiyah game heightened fan anxiety, as he confirmed the club would not be making any new signings during the winter transfer window, emphasizing the need to work with the current squad despite the evident shortage of players. This statement raises serious questions about the team's ability to compete in the second half of the season and casts doubt on the coach's own future should the losing streak continue.
