The Saudi Professional League is experiencing unprecedented competition this season, with heightened ambitions and technical and physical challenges for all clubs. This has made remaining in the top flight a task requiring comprehensive institutional and technical efforts. Amidst this fierce struggle, Damac FC finds itself in a precarious position, with the specter of relegation to the First Division looming over the club, which represents one of the most important sporting pillars in the Asir region.
After “Faris Al Janoub” delivered disappointing results during the first round, only collecting 11 points which placed it in fifteenth place, and starting the second round with a draw with Al Khulood, “Okaz” met with a group of athletes and experts to diagnose the technical situation of the team and put forward an urgent rescue prescription before it is too late.
Personality and identity before tactics
Dr. Yahya Al-Fifi believes that Damac's current situation doesn't require a "miracle" as much as it requires a return to its lost identity. Al-Fifi explained that the solution lies in returning to the essence of football: discipline and passion. He emphasized the need to approach each remaining match with a "final" mentality, setting aside complex calculations. He pointed out that balance is key; neither passive defense nor reckless attacking is necessary. What's required is a solid defense, a midfield that fights for every inch of ground, and an attack that intelligently capitalizes on half-chances.
Al-Fifi added a crucial point regarding the psychological aspect, stressing that the team needs a strong "personality" on the field that does not collapse when conceding a goal and does not get flustered under the pressure of the fans, pointing out that "team spirit" is the lifeline, as the club's jersey should be heavier than any physical fatigue the players feel.
Reforming the technical and intellectual system
For his part, Salah Al-Arfaj analyzed the crisis from a purely technical perspective, emphasizing that escaping the specter of relegation necessitates a radical change in tactical approach. Al-Arfaj called for the establishment of a clear identity based on strict defensive organization to minimize the naive individual errors that have cost the team valuable points, while simultaneously working to improve attacking efficiency and exploiting set pieces as a key solution in tight matches.
Al-Arfaj stressed the role of the technical staff in restoring the players’ self-confidence and selecting the most prepared elements, regardless of names and favoritism, considering that fighting spirit and realism are the team’s weapons in the “six-point” matches against direct competitors.
Winter market challenges and the required realism
In a related context, Saad Al-Sahab addressed the administrative challenges the team faced, noting that the insufficient reinforcement of the squad during the winter transfer window imposed a difficult reality, forcing reliance on the current players. Al-Sahab emphasized that the team is paying the price for technical instability and declining performance during crucial periods of the season.
Al-Sahab believes that the path to survival necessarily involves defeating direct rivals in the relegation zone and capitalizing on home advantage in Khamis Mushait, where dropping any points at home is unacceptable. He concluded by saying that the equation has become complex and is also linked to the results of other teams, but hope remains, provided they play realistically and fight until the final whistle.
The importance of survival and its impact
It is worth noting that Damac FC's continued presence in the Roshan League is not merely a sporting achievement for the club, but also holds immense significance for sports in the southern region. It ensures the club's continued fan presence and competitive edge in one of the strongest leagues in the Arab and Asian world. Relegation to the Yellow League could have severe economic and technical repercussions, potentially hindering a swift return, especially given the improved performance of First Division clubs. This makes the upcoming rounds crucial battles for the club's future.
