In a strategic move aimed at building a cohesive team capable of competing globally, the assistant coaching staff of the Saudi national football team, led by Italian coach Roberto Mancini, continues its intensive program of field visits to Saudi Professional League clubs. The latest tour included Al-Fayha, Al-Hazm, and Al-Kholoud, as part of a long-term plan for preparation and monitoring in anticipation of upcoming major competitions, most notably the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
General context: A new vision for Saudi football
These visits are part of a new vision adopted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, aimed at enhancing coordination and integration between the national team and local clubs. Following their participation in the 2022 World Cup, which saw a historic victory over Argentina, attention is now turning to the future, especially with the Kingdom hosting the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2034 World Cup. This methodology, implemented by Mancini's staff and known for its meticulous attention to detail and continuous monitoring, is the cornerstone of the project to build a new generation of players capable of fulfilling the ambitions of Saudi football.
Details of the visits and their objectives
During their visits to Al-Fayha, Al-Hazm, and Al-Kholoud clubs, the coaching staff reviewed the technical and physical condition of the international players and those nominated to join the national team. Direct meetings were held with the players to emphasize the importance of the current phase and the necessity of adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, both in training and in their personal lives. Discussions included reviewing each player's physical indicators and statistics, and stressing the importance of following the health and nutrition programs approved by the national team's management, which aim to bring the players to peak physical and mental readiness.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, these visits strengthen the relationship between clubs and the national team, ensuring that preparation programs are aligned with the demands of international competition. Regionally, the success of the Saudi national team reflects positively on the reputation of football in the Gulf and Asia, raising the level of competitiveness across the continent. Internationally, these efforts aim to present a strong Saudi team at the 2026 World Cup, reflecting the significant development of the sports sector in the Kingdom and confirming that the Saudi football project is not limited to attracting international stars, but also focuses on developing local talent.
Future steps
These visits won't stop there, as the assistant coaching staff is scheduled to continue their program with visits to other clubs in the coming period, including Al-Shabab, Al-Riyadh, Al-Fateh, Al-Akhdoud, and Damac. This comprehensive plan underscores that the process of selecting and monitoring players is ongoing and not limited to international breaks. Rather, it is part of an integrated work methodology aimed at serving the national team's interests and achieving the best possible results in international competitions.
