Greek coach Giorgos Donis, manager of Al-Khaleej FC, issued a challenge ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Ahli, asserting that his team will not deviate from their usual playing style regardless of the opponent's stature or strength. Al-Khaleej is preparing to face Al-Ahli on Tuesday evening at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, in the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Confidence in artistic identity
At the press conference held this evening at the club's headquarters, Donis emphasized his team's complete readiness, saying, "We are ready for this match, just as we are for all the others. We approach every game with the same focus and seriousness, playing with clear defensive discipline and attacking with confidence, while maintaining the necessary balance on the field." The experienced coach explained that adhering to the team's tactical identity is a fundamental pillar of the coaching staff's work, noting that "building play from the back" is a prominent feature of Al-Khaleej's style. He added, "We believe in playing organized football that starts with the goalkeeper, and we rely on composure and organization in distributing the ball, and this is an integral part of the team's character.".
Donis' experience in Saudi stadiums
Donis bases his confident statements on his extensive experience in Saudi football, having previously managed major clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Fateh, and Al-Wehda, making him an expert on the intricacies of the Saudi league and its competitive landscape. The Greek coach is well aware of the difficulty of facing Al-Ahli on their home ground and in front of their large fan base, especially given the squad of international stars that Al-Ahli possesses. However, Donis's philosophy always relies on teamwork and tactical organization to minimize individual technical differences.
Betting on youth and stability
Donis also addressed the club's long-term strategy, emphasizing that developing young players is a key focus of the coaching staff's plans. He stated, "We are working on gradually giving opportunities to young players and helping them develop according to their technical abilities and their level of commitment and discipline." This match comes at a time when Al-Khaleej is looking to confirm its technical improvement and continue its run of positive results, reflecting the stability the team is experiencing under Donis's leadership. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli aims to secure a victory to move closer to the top of the league table, which is witnessing unprecedented competition this season.
