The struggles of Al-Riyadh FC's first team in the 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League continue, as veteran Uruguayan coach Daniel Carreño remains winless since taking over the reins. Known as "El Crespo," the coach has failed to break the streak of negative results in seven consecutive matches under his leadership, putting the team's future in jeopardy as the competition intensifies in the league standings.
A rocky start and a series of disappointing results
Al-Riyadh Club's management sought the expertise of Carreno, who had extensive experience in Saudi football, and officially announced his signing on November 14, 2025, hoping to turn things around. The coach began his tenure with a tough match against Al-Ittihad in the ninth round, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. From that moment on, the team entered a dark period of poor results, failing to secure a single victory in seven matches, with the following tally:
- Loss against Al-Ittihad (2-1).
- Loss against Al-Ettifaq (2-0).
- Loss against Al-Hazm (2-1).
- A heavy defeat against Al-Qadisiyah (4-0).
- The only draw was against Al-Fayha (1-1).
- Loss against Al-Fateh (3-1).
- Loss to Al-Taawon (3-1).
A defensive crisis and a lack of solutions
These figures reflect a clear technical deficiency, particularly in the defensive system, which has conceded a large number of goals (16 goals in 7 matches), averaging more than two goals per game. Despite the coaching staff's attempts to reorganize the team, they are suffering from a lack of effective attacking solutions and an inability to keep a clean sheet, which has increased the pressure from fans and management demanding an immediate end to the bleeding of points.
Carreno: A long history and a difficult reality
This crisis takes on added significance given Daniel Carreño's prominent coaching reputation in Saudi football. The Uruguayan coach boasts an impressive track record, most notably leading Al-Nassr to the Saudi League and Crown Prince Cup double in the 2013-2014 season, a golden era still etched in the memories of fans. He also has extensive experience with Al-Shabab (2017-2018), Al-Wehda (2019-2020 and 2024-2025), and Al-Hazm (2023-2024). This impressive history was the primary reason Al-Riyadh signed him, but the current situation suggests he faces the toughest challenge of his career in the Kingdom.
Impact of results on team position
This string of poor results puts Al-Riyadh in a very precarious position in the league standings. Continued losses could push the team into the relegation zone, especially given the significant development of other clubs in the Roshan League and their recruitment of top international players, making a comeback in the final rounds extremely difficult. Fans are watching the upcoming matches with bated breath, viewing them as must-win cup finals that will determine the team's fate and the future of its coaching staff.
