The statements made by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Hilal, sparked widespread controversy in Saudi sports circles after he shed light on a hidden aspect of the Saudi Professional League title race. In the press conference preceding the match against Al-Shabab in the 16th round, Jesus didn't limit himself to technical discussions, but rather diagnosed a reality faced by major clubs, clearly pointing to the problems plaguing their traditional rival, Al-Nassr, off the pitch.
General context: Dori Roshen under global scrutiny
These statements come at a time when the Saudi league is undergoing a historic transformation, with its clubs becoming the focus of global attention after attracting a host of international football stars. This shift has intensified competition not only on the field, but also in the media and among fans. With increasing pressure, "corporate communication" and crisis management have become integral to success, as matches are no longer decided solely by physical effort and tactical prowess, but also by mental stability and the ability to shield the team from external distractions.
Jesus' diagnosis: Playing off the field
Jesus's statement was direct and blunt: "Al-Nassr doesn't have the capacity for media manipulation, but there are clubs that operate both on and off the pitch." This statement shouldn't be interpreted as mere banter between coaches, but rather as a diagnosis of a structural flaw plaguing Al-Nassr, where the team repeatedly finds itself facing a parallel battle in the public sphere. Rumors, leaks, and conflicting reports create an atmosphere of doubt that seeps into the locker room, transforming minor technical setbacks into major administrative crises.
The impact of psychological warfare and rumors
Experts point out that a club lacking a robust media protection system is rapidly losing credibility. In Al-Nassr's case, the problem manifests in two main ways:
- Internal axis: Weak information governance and multiple sources of leaks, leading to conflicting narratives that weaken the club's official position and distract the players.
- External axis: The dominance of interactive media and social media platforms that turn rumors into accepted facts, putting the team under constant draining pressure.
Solution: Building a professional communication system
Overcoming this dilemma requires a radical approach that goes beyond simply improving the team's image. The solution lies in building a three-dimensional communication system: starting with real-time monitoring of rumors and nipping them in the bud, moving on to unifying the media narrative to bolster trust, and culminating in the implementation of strict protocols to prevent leaks from the source. Jesus's statements, though seemingly harsh, serve as a reminder that modern football is a comprehensive system, and that winning the "media battle" is essential for achieving the mental balance necessary to win gold.
