Hattan Bahebri challenges Al-Ittihad and flatters Renard after the five-goal victory
Al-Kholoud's first football team has successfully regained its balance and corrected its course in the Saudi Professional League, marking a strong comeback under the leadership of its coach, Buckingham. This came after achieving a historic and resounding 5-0 victory over Al-Fayha, a win that put an end to a series of negative results that had plagued the team in previous rounds, during which it suffered six consecutive defeats against Al-Riyadh, Neom, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hazm, Al-Taawon, and Al-Hilal.
This victory is of great importance to Al-Kholoud Club, not only because it is the biggest for the team in its history of participation in the Professional League, but also because it represents a huge morale boost for the players and the technical staff to move away from the danger zones and advance towards the safe zone in the standings, in light of the fierce competition that the Saudi League is witnessing this season with the development of the levels of all clubs.
Bahbri and his ambition to return to represent the Saudi national team
Amidst this jubilation, international star Hattan Bahebri emerged as one of the team's key players, expressing his immense joy at the victory and his goal against Al-Fayha. He dedicated his performance to his sons (Sultan, Saud, and Al-Jawhara), who were present in the stands to support him. Bahebri emphasized that the players had vowed to put past defeats behind them and focus entirely on securing points in the remaining matches.
Bahebri made no secret of his strong ambition to return to the Saudi national team, affirming his complete readiness to serve the Green Falcons whenever called upon by the coaching staff led by Frenchman Hervé Renard. Bahebri's statements come at a time when the Saudi national team is undergoing a period of restructuring following Renard's return, opening the door for experienced players with consistent performances to reassert their place in the international squad, especially given Bahebri's previous international experience, which could prove beneficial to the team in its upcoming matches.
The challenge of unity and an uncertain future
Regarding the upcoming match, Al-Kholoud is preparing to host Al-Ittihad, one of the giants of Saudi football and a fierce title contender, next Friday at 8:30 PM at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah, as part of the fourteenth round. Bahabri delivered a message of challenge laced with confidence, promising fans a brilliant performance and striving for a positive result against "Al-Ameed" (Al-Ittihad's nickname), indicating that the team aspires to continue its winning streak regardless of the opponent's strength.
Regarding his professional future, Bahbri refused to settle the debate about whether he would stay with Al-Kholoud or leave, especially as he is close to entering the six-month free period that allows him to sign for any club, simply saying: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” leaving the door open to all possibilities in the upcoming transfer window.
