The match between Neom and Al-Riyadh, in the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League, witnessed a controversial incident involving international star Salman Al-Faraj, who expressed a clear objection to his French coach Christophe Galtier’s decision to substitute him, and left the field angrily before the end of the match, which was held at King Khalid Sports City Stadium.
The incident unfolded, and tensions
escalated when Galtier, the manager of Neom FC, decided to substitute Salman Al-Faraj. The veteran player appeared visibly displeased with the decision, as cameras captured his angry body language as he headed towards the touchline before leaving the pitch directly for the locker room – a scene reflecting the extent of the disagreement between the player and his coach. Sources indicated that Al-Faraj's anger was not a spontaneous reaction, but rather the result of his repeated substitutions in recent matches, leading to his dissatisfaction with his playing time under the French coach.
Background to the Crisis: A Clash Between Player Experience and Coach's Ideology.
Salman Al-Faraj is one of the most prominent players in the history of Saudi football, having enjoyed a career full of achievements with his former club Al-Hilal and the Saudi national team, which he captained in numerous international tournaments, most notably leading the Green Falcons in the 2022 World Cup. Al-Faraj possesses vast experience and a keen eye for tactical vision on the field, which can sometimes clash with the tactical decisions of coaches. On the other hand, Christophe Galtier has a strong coaching resume, having managed major clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Lille in France. He is known for his strict personality and his uncompromising application of his tactical style, regardless of player reputation, which could be a major reason for the clash with a star of Al-Faraj's caliber.
The expected impact on the team and the player's future:
This incident raises numerous questions about the future of the relationship between Al-Faraj and Galtier, and its effect on the stability of the team, which is striving to compete strongly in the Roshan League. Such public disagreements could negatively impact player morale in the locker room and place significant pressure on the club's management to intervene and contain the situation. Furthermore, it might prompt Salman Al-Faraj, who has a long and distinguished history with the team, to reconsider his future with them if the disputes persist. Regionally, the incident highlights the new dynamics in the Saudi League, where top international and local stars are joined by elite coaches, resulting in new administrative and technical challenges.
Despite this crisis, Neom managed to secure a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from French striker Alexandre Lacazette, continuing their winning streak. However, all eyes will remain on how the club's management and coach Galtier handle the fallout from captain Salman Al-Faraj's anger in the coming days.
