Portuguese coach José Gomes, manager of Al-Fateh's first football team, expressed his immense satisfaction with his team's valuable victory over Al-Khaleej in the twelfth round of the Saudi Professional League. This win restored balance to the "Model" team and reaffirmed their determination to improve their position in the league standings.
A hard-fought victory against an exciting opponent
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gomes praised the technical level displayed by the opposing team, saying: "We achieved a very difficult victory against a distinguished and entertaining team like Al-Khaleej. The match was highly competitive and tactical, and it was crucial for us to secure the three points to improve our position and move away from the relegation zone." The Portuguese coach pointed out that matches like these are what make the difference in the long league season.
Impact of the international break
The Al-Fateh coach addressed the impact of the recent league break, explaining that it served as a lifeline for the team to regroup. Gomez added, "The break was a golden opportunity to rediscover the fighting spirit, mentality, and character that Al-Fateh is known for. We worked hard during that period to address our mistakes, and we hope to continue collecting points in the upcoming matches with the same determination and resolve.".
Betting on young talent
In a gesture reflecting the coaching staff's focus on the club's future, Gomez specifically praised the performance of youth national team player Abdulaziz Al-Fawaz in the match. The coach emphasized, "The player delivered an outstanding performance beyond his years, and we must give him more opportunities and experience as he is one of the rising talents on whom the club and Saudi football are relying for the future. It is crucial to support him and give him confidence.".
Competition context of the Roshan League
This victory is particularly significant given the intense competition in the Saudi league this season, with mid-table clubs striving to secure their positions amidst the fierce battles at both the top and bottom of the table. Al-Fateh, who previously won the league title in the historic 2012-2013 season, is a club with a long and distinguished history and administrative stability that consistently helps them overcome setbacks and return to winning ways.
The reliance on young talents like Al-Fawaz comes as part of a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring the sustainability of competition, an approach that aligns with the significant development of sports in Saudi Arabia, and the focus on building a strong base of local players capable of representing national teams in international events.
