Ahmed Al-Shehri: Facing Al-Ahli will be difficult, and Damac's goal is to stay in the league

Challenges facing Damac before facing Al-Ahli

Damac FC CEO Ahmed Al-Shehri confirmed that his team's upcoming match against Al-Ahli at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium (Al-Mahala) presents a significant and difficult challenge. In exclusive statements to Okaz newspaper, Al-Shehri explained that this difficulty stems from the current circumstances surrounding the first football team, pointing to the negative impact of the recent international break, in addition to the significant absences in the squad due to injuries and accumulated yellow cards. This creates an additional challenge for the coaching staff in maintaining the players' match rhythm and physical performance.

The artistic level and professional mindset have improved

Despite these challenges, Al-Shehri reassured the club's fans, explaining that the team's performance has noticeably improved recently, which the management and coaching staff consider a very positive sign. He added, "We hope this improvement will translate into positive results on the pitch, especially since this stage of the league is crucial in terms of securing points to solidify the team's position in the standings." He emphasized that the players will give their all to achieve the desired goal in this tough match.

Speaking about the possibilities inherent in the world of football, Al-Shehri demonstrated a professional mindset in handling pressure, saying: “If we don’t achieve the desired result against Al-Ahli, we consider it a loss in a battle, not the war. We will immediately work on correcting the technical errors, building on the gains we have made, and moving forward with even greater morale towards the upcoming matches, which are no less important.” This statement reflects the management’s strategy of maintaining team stability and shielding them from psychological shocks.

The context of the competition in the Saudi Roshan League

This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League) is experiencing unprecedented historical competitiveness, having attracted a host of international football stars. The importance of the encounter is underscored by the fact that Al-Ahli is one of the four major clubs in Saudi football, boasting a massive fan base and a formidable attacking force. Meanwhile, Damac FC, representing the Asir region, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage at the Al-Mahala Stadium, which has often proven a tough challenge for visiting teams thanks to its competitive atmosphere and strong local support.

An invitation to the fans and the goal of staying with the big leagues

The CEO concluded his remarks with a sincere and open invitation to Damac FC fans and football enthusiasts in the southern region to stand behind the team and support it during this crucial stage of the league. Al-Shehri emphasized that the club's ultimate strategic goal is to secure its place in the top division for the eighth consecutive season. It's worth noting that Damac's continued presence in the top flight for so many years is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the successive administrations' efforts and the development of the club's sporting infrastructure and its ability to compete with the elite despite financial and technical disparities. He wished the team success in achieving this goal and bringing joy to its loyal fans.