Al-Khaleej's head coach, Greek Giorgos Donis, confirmed his team's complete readiness for their upcoming match against Neom, describing the encounter as a pivotal moment requiring the highest levels of mental and physical preparation. This came during a press conference held this evening, where the experienced coach highlighted the difficulty of the match and its importance to the team's progress this season.
Donis began by noting that the technical gap in Saudi football is narrowing, explaining that the match pits two teams with high ambitions against each other, giving the encounter a fiercely competitive edge. He pointed out that the teams' current form and their recent convergence in technical levels necessitate that Al-Khaleej approach the match with utmost seriousness, treating it as an early final, given the added importance of securing points or qualifying at this crucial stage of the competition.
Respect for the opponent and tactical discipline
In his technical analysis of the opponent, the Greek coach explained that Neom is not an easy opponent, but rather a highly organized team with a clear sporting project and outstanding players capable of making a difference. Donis stressed that the match requires high concentration from the first minute until the final whistle, warning against any complacency that could cost the team dearly. He added that the key to victory lies in strict tactical discipline on the field and the ability to capitalize on half-chances, especially against a team that plays with a balanced defensive and offensive structure.
Mental preparation and the role of experience
Donis, who has extensive experience in Saudi stadiums, discussed the details of the preparations leading up to the match, emphasizing that the coaching staff focused intensively on the players' mental state. He pointed out that such encounters are often decided by small details and crucial moments, requiring complete mental focus. He expressed his strong confidence in Al-Khaleej's players' ability to deliver a performance worthy of the club's name and achieve a positive result that would strengthen the team's position and give them a significant morale boost for upcoming challenges.
A call to the Gulf fans
Georgios Donis concluded his press conference with a direct message to Al-Dana fans, emphasizing their pivotal role in such matches. He stressed that the large crowds and unwavering support give the players extra energy and a strong incentive to fight on the pitch, urging the club's fans to stand behind the team to achieve their desired goal and continue progressing in the competition.
