In a move reflecting his professionalism and strong commitment, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, winger for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, declined the leave granted to him by the team's manager, German Matthias Jäissle. This surprising decision came just days before Al-Ahli's highly anticipated match against Al-Taawoun in the fifteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.
Sources close to Al-Ahli confirmed that Mahrez insisted on participating in the team's group training sessions immediately upon his return, disregarding the coaching staff's decision to grant him a period of rest after the international break. This insistence from the "Desert Warrior" stems from the paramount importance of the upcoming match against Al-Taawoun, which will be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah. This stadium has historically posed a significant challenge for visiting teams due to the large crowds and the strength of the home side.
The return of the fighting spirit of Al-Raed
Riyad Mahrez's return to training comes after his participation with the Algerian national team in recent international matches. Despite the physical and mental fatigue that typically accompanies international breaks and long journeys, the Algerian star prioritized the interests of Al Ahly, aiming to reach peak physical and technical condition before the crucial upcoming match. Al Ahly fans are placing great hope in Mahrez's vast experience, gained in European leagues, particularly the English Premier League, to lead the team towards serious title contention this season.
A morale boost after the victory over Al-Akhdoud
Al-Ahli enters this match with high morale, especially after their victory in the previous round against Al-Akhdoud by a single goal. That match saw a brilliant performance from English striker Ivan Tony, who scored the decisive goal, confirming that the team's attacking system, led by Yasser, is beginning to find the net more effectively. Mahrez's early return to training serves as a motivational message to his teammates, emphasizing the need to fight for the three points and continue their winning streak.
The importance of the match in the league race
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Taawoun match holds particular importance in the context of the Roshan League standings. Al-Ahli aims to solidify its position at the top of the table and secure a spot in Asian competitions, and perhaps even challenge for the title amidst the fierce competition among the league's top clubs. The commitment of the professional players, especially Riyad Mahrez, is crucial to maintaining the team's stability, particularly given the intense competition in Saudi football this season, which is considered one of the strongest in the Kingdom's history.
