Yassla and Qadri comment on Al-Ahli's victory against Al-Hazm in the Roshan League
In a thrilling football match held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium ("The Shining Jewel") in Jeddah, Al-Ahli's first team secured three valuable points with a 2-0 victory over Al-Hazm in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This encounter was more than just a casual game; it served as a true test of the physical and mental capabilities of Al-Ahli's squad amidst a packed schedule.
Yassleh: The victory came thanks to high concentration
German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al Ahli, expressed his immense satisfaction with the victory, emphasizing during the post-match press conference that the game was anything but easy. Jäissle pointed out that the significance of this win lay in the circumstances, as the team had played a tough match just two days prior, placing the players under immense physical strain. The young coach explained that achieving a positive result despite this fatigue reflects the "mental readiness and high level of focus" possessed by the team members. He stressed that securing points at this crucial stage of the season is essential to strengthening the team's position in the standings and competing for qualification to continental championships.
Qadri: Al-Ahly's organization made the task difficult
For his part, Tunisian coach Jalal Qadri, manager of Al-Hazm, acknowledged the difficulty of keeping pace with Al-Ahli throughout the ninety minutes, praising the high level of organization and impressive technical skill displayed by the opponent. Qadri explained that his team delivered an exceptionally tactical first half, characterized by discipline and closing down spaces, which prevented Al-Ahli from creating early dangerous opportunities. However, Qadri indicated that the substitutions he made in the second half were not a tactical luxury, but rather dictated by "extreme necessity" to prevent further injuries due to fatigue and the congested fixture schedule that his team had also been experiencing recently.
The context of the competition and the impact of the result
This result takes on particular significance in the context of this season's Saudi League, which is witnessing unprecedented competition thanks to the influx of international stars. Al-Ahli's victory strengthens their technical stability and solidifies their position in the top four, a strategic objective for the club's management and its vast fan base, aiming to secure a place in the AFC Champions League. Conversely, this loss further complicates Al-Hazm's situation in their struggle to escape the relegation zone, presenting the coaching staff with significant challenges in the upcoming rounds to get back on track.
