Al-Hilal's coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, announced the continuation of the disciplinary suspension imposed on young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo. As a result, the player has been officially excluded from the squad for the highly anticipated derby match against Al-Ittihad, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This decision adds further excitement and anticipation to the crucial match, which is considered pivotal in the race for the league title this season.
The punishment includes requiring Leonardo to train individually, away from the main group, which underscores the technical staff's seriousness in enforcing discipline within the team, regardless of the importance of the match or the player's name. The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is scheduled to host this major clash on Saturday evening, where Al-Hilal will be looking to solidify their lead, while Al-Ittihad will be aiming for a positive result to restore their balance.
Background and time context of the decision
The roots of this punishment lie in the final days of the last winter transfer window. The decision to continue the disciplinary action came after the player refused to leave the club and move to the Italian league, even though the deal had reached a very advanced stage and was on the verge of completion. This stance led to the collapse of negotiations at the last minute, which the club's management and coaching staff considered unprofessional, thus necessitating an internal penalty to maintain order within the team.
The importance of El Clásico and the impact of Leonardo's absence
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," holds immense historical and popular significance, as it pits two of the biggest giants of Saudi football against each other. This season's encounter is particularly important as it could play a direct role in determining the league champion. Al-Hilal, currently leading the standings, aims to widen the gap with its closest rivals, and any slip-up could reignite the title race. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad hopes to halt Al-Hilal's winning streak and secure a crucial victory.
From a technical standpoint, the absence of Marcos Leonardo represents a blow to coach Jesus's attacking options, especially since the player was seen as a strong addition to the forward line alongside Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Despite this, Al-Hilal boasts a star-studded squad capable of compensating for any absence, but the decision sends a clear message that commitment and discipline take precedence over any technical considerations—an approach Jesus employs to maintain complete control within the dressing room. This decision will have regional and international repercussions, as global media closely follow the Roshan League, and this stance reflects the professionalism and rigor with which major Saudi clubs manage their international stars.
