Jesus apologizes to Al-Hilal after Al-Nassr's victory over Al-Shabab: Press conference details
In a remarkable turn of events following the thrilling Riyadh derby, the manager offered important clarifications and an implicit apology to his former club, Al-Hilal, just 24 hours after his controversial remarks sparked widespread debate in sporting circles. This came after he led Al-Nassr to a valuable 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Clarifying the position and respecting history
The coach used the post-match press conference to clarify his position, emphasizing that his previous statements had been misunderstood and that he did not intend to belittle Al-Hilal. Speaking to the media, he said, "I take full responsibility as the current coach of Al-Nassr, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten the wonderful years I spent with Al-Hilal and the achievements we accomplished together." He added, "I don't want statements attributed to me that I didn't mean, or for my words to be interpreted as offensive. Mutual respect is the foundation of my interactions with everyone, and Saudi football is undergoing a tremendous period of development that requires all of us to demonstrate sportsmanship.".
The importance of winning the derby and Gharib's brilliance
Regarding the technical aspects of the match, the coach noted the difficulty of derby matches, which often defy pre-match predictions. He praised the performance of Al Shabab, a team with talented players whose current league position doesn't reflect their true potential. The discussion then turned to the future of star player Abdulrahman Ghareeb, with the coach confirming that the decision to renew his contract rests with the player. He commended Ghareeb's professionalism and readiness, which culminated in scoring the winning goal and delivering a remarkable performance, showcasing the depth of the squad and the strength of the bench.
Winter market challenges and the list of foreign players
Regarding winter transfers, the coach revealed his desire to strengthen the squad, while also pointing to the obstacles facing the club. He explained, "We currently have eight foreign players, which is the maximum allowed, and the financial situation may not allow for new signings at the moment." He expressed his complete satisfaction with the team's performance during the first half of the season.
The context of the competition and the development of the Saudi League
These statements come at a time when the Saudi league is experiencing unprecedented sporting activity and intense global attention, giving every media statement a wide local and international impact. The relationship between coaches and their former clubs is part of the excitement inherent in football, especially given the historic rivalry between Riyadh's two giants. This victory reflects Al-Nassr's desire to maintain pressure and compete strongly for the league title, capitalizing on their technical stability and recent positive results that enhance their chances in both domestic and continental competitions.
