Noureddine Benzekri is scheduled to arrive in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Monday evening, to finalize and complete the official contracting procedures with the management of Al-Shabab Club to take over the technical direction of the first football team during the upcoming critical period.
The rescue mission is a successor to the dives
The arrival of Ben Zekri comes at a very sensitive time for the Saudi club, as he will take over the technical responsibilities from the dismissed coach, Imanol Algaussil . The new coach's primary mission revolves around one main, non-negotiable objective: to save the team from the specter of relegation that now threatens its future, following a series of negative and disappointing results that have angered the Al-Shabab fans and plunged the team into a dark period.
The return of the "man of difficult missions" to the Saudi League
The name Noureddine Benzekri is not unfamiliar to Saudi Arabian sports fans; the coach boasts an impressive track record and extensive experience in the Saudi Professional League. Benzekri has earned a distinguished reputation as a "man for tough jobs" and a "savior of teams," having previously enjoyed successful and exciting stints with other Saudi clubs such as Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, and Damac. His past tenures were marked by his exceptional ability to rescue teams from relegation zones and ensure their survival in the top flight, a scenario that Al-Shabab's management hopes to replicate this season.
Expected psychological and artistic impact
The management of the youth team is placing great faith in Benzekri's strong leadership qualities, known for his "grinta" (grit) and the great enthusiasm he instills in the players. In the team's current circumstances, the need extends beyond mere tactical adjustments to include psychological preparation and restoring confidence to the players who have suffered under the pressure of poor results. Benzekri's arrival is expected to create a positive shock within the locker room, which could quickly translate into improved performance on the pitch.
Challenges await “Ben Zakri” with Al-Laith
The task will not be easy, as Al-Shabab faces significant challenges given the fierce competition in the Saudi League this season and the improved performance of all clubs. Ben Zekri will have to act quickly to bolster the team's defense and find solutions to their attacking woes, drawing on his extensive experience in analyzing Saudi League opponents. Al-Shabab fans eagerly await the official announcement and the start of training, hoping this will mark the beginning of a return to form and the restoration of the club's lost prestige.
