Jesus speaks about the pressure of matches at Al-Nassr and the upcoming match against Al-Qadisiyah
Amidst the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League, which has become a global focal point thanks to attracting top football stars and its rising technical standards, Al-Nassr is going through a delicate phase that requires concerted efforts to return to winning ways. In this context, the team's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, confirmed that Al-Nassr has faced a week full of difficult challenges, noting that the previous match against Al-Ahli was not just an ordinary game, but a tough clash against an opponent with high technical capabilities and a fierce attacking system, which was clearly reflected in the course of the match and its difficulty.
Jesus explained that the coaching staff and players are fully aware of the responsibility placed upon them and understand that Al-Nassr's fans expect nothing less than championships and victories in every competition. The coach emphasized that the team's current strategic objective is to reclaim the top spot in the standings, stressing that their focus is entirely on securing three points in tomorrow's anticipated match against Al-Qadisiyah. This match is considered a pivotal moment, after which they will begin to consider the upcoming challenges and work towards regaining the lead in the long race for the title.
The Portuguese coach addressed the issue of fixture congestion affecting clubs competing on multiple fronts, pointing out, with statistics, that the team has played 22 official matches across various competitions so far, suffering only two defeats: the first against Al-Ittihad in the King's Cup, and the second in the recent derby against Al-Ahli. Jesus emphasized that these statistics, despite the sting of the recent loss, reflect Al-Nassr's strong performance and exceptional season in terms of both performance and results, especially considering the fierce competition.
On the physical front, Jesus pointed out that the team hadn't performed at their usual level in the last two matches, attributing this directly to accumulated physical and mental fatigue. He explained that maintaining a high level of performance becomes extremely difficult, both scientifically and practically, when playing a competitive match every three days. This necessitates intelligent squad rotation and rapid player recovery to avoid injuries and a drop in performance.
In closing, Jesus expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of the fans, considering the high demand for tickets—with over 22,000 sold so far—a very positive indicator and a significant morale booster for the team. He emphasized that Al-Nassr's players deserve this massive fan support for their outstanding performances and fighting spirit throughout the season, stressing that the fans' voices will be the team's 12th man in the match against Al-Qadisiyah.
