Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers, head coach of Al-Qadisiyah's first football team, emphasized the difficulty and importance of the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq in the "Eastern Province Derby," part of the Saudi Professional League. Rodgers' remarks came during the pre-match press conference, where he addressed several technical and psychological aspects related to the team.
Congratulations on the founding day and pride in being present in the Kingdom
At the outset of his remarks, the veteran coach was keen to congratulate the wise leadership and the Saudi people on the occasion of "Founding Day," the historical event that commemorates the roots of the Saudi state since 1727 AD. Rodgers expressed his great pride in being in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this period of major transformations on all levels, emphasizing that the Kingdom possesses a great cultural heritage and a promising future, something he witnessed during his time working with Al-Qadisiyah Club.
Eastern Derby: A clash that goes beyond three points
Speaking about the technical aspects and the upcoming match, Rodgers explained that derby matches always have a special character and different dynamics than other league games. He pointed out that Al-Ettifaq is a strong and well-organized team, making the match a real challenge for Al-Qadisiyah. Rodgers said, "The team performed exceptionally well in the last match, but we've put that behind us and are now preparing for a tough game against Al-Ettifaq," praising the noticeable improvement in his players' performance during training sessions and recent matches.
Tactical discipline and an intriguing comparison with Luis Suarez
In response to journalists' questions about the keys to victory in this derby, the former Liverpool manager stressed the importance of maintaining high concentration and defensive discipline throughout the 90 minutes, while working diligently to create and capitalize on attacking opportunities. In a gesture that caught the attention of observers, Rodgers praised his striker Julian, drawing a striking comparison between him and Uruguayan star Luis Suarez, whom Rodgers previously coached in the Premier League. The manager explained that Julian reminds him of Suarez in terms of his fighting spirit, his relentless pressing of opponents, and the immense energy he expends on the pitch – qualities the team desperately needs in derby matches.
Trust in substitutes and the future of youth
Rodgers concluded by emphasizing his complete confidence in the entire squad, including the substitutes, noting their ability to compensate for any potential absences and professionally handle the pressure of a congested fixture schedule. He also highlighted his strategy of giving young players opportunities at the right time to ensure their development and contribution to the club's future, urging Al-Qadsia fans to attend and support the team in this crucial match to continue accumulating points and climbing the league table.
