Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Hilal (erroneously referred to as Al-Nassr in the source), confirmed his team's complete readiness for a tough match against Al-Hazm in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. These statements come at a crucial point in the season, as the team seeks to continue its winning streak and solidify its lead in the Saudi football scene.
Game challenges during the holy month of Ramadan
Speaking about physical preparations, Jesus addressed the physiological challenge facing players and coaches during the holy month of Ramadan. The veteran coach explained that the coaching staff decided to try a new approach by holding training sessions before Iftar (the breaking of the fast), noting that this decision is subject to ongoing evaluation. Jesus said, "It's a new experience to train before Iftar, and we don't know if we'll continue with it or not." It's worth noting that training during the day in Ramadan requires careful management of physical loads to avoid dehydration and fatigue, a topic that continues to generate debate among fitness experts in Arab leagues.
A series of victories and mental focus
During the press conference held at the club's headquarters, Jesus emphasized the importance of mental focus and capitalizing on opportunities, saying, "We've achieved seven consecutive victories and are looking for our eighth. Most importantly, our team is injury-free." This match holds particular significance as it is against Al-Hazm, a team that, despite its current league position, possesses the ability to cause upsets against top sides. This prompted Jesus to urge his players to be completely serious and to execute their tactical plans meticulously to convert chances into goals.
The foreign players file and team balance
Regarding the issue of foreign players, Jesus pointed to the disparity in team rosters, noting that some clubs have a larger number of registered professionals than others, which can create an imbalance in some matches. He commented, "We work with the players we have. It's true that some other teams have more than 12 foreign players, and this creates some imbalance, but we are happy with the players we have." This statement reflects the coach's confidence in his current squad and their ability to compete both domestically and continentally.
Invitation to the public for a Ramadan evening
Jesus concluded his remarks with a direct message to the fans, emphasizing their vital role in supporting the team, especially in matches played during the special atmosphere of Ramadan. He said, "We want our fans' support in all our league and Asian matches, and I ask them to be there with us to celebrate our performance and a beautiful Ramadan night." This match is considered an important step for the team as they strive to win the league title, amidst the fierce competition in Saudi football this season.
