Ben Zekri challenges Al Hilal and reveals the truth about the dispute between Hamdallah and Carrasco
In the lead-up to one of the most anticipated matches of the Saudi Professional League , Al-Shabab coach Noureddine Benzekri a confident and realistic press conference ahead of the Riyadh derby against arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This match comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing a qualitative leap and global attention, further amplifying the importance of the encounter and its impact on the league standings.
Special preparations for the Riyadh derby
Ben Zakri confirmed that Al-Shabab's preparations for this crucial match proceeded according to the team's usual approach, while also emphasizing the difficulty of the competition in the Saudi League this season. He explained that every match in the Roshan League requires high-level technical and mental preparation due to the close competition and the presence of world-class players in various clubs.
The veteran Algerian coach said: “Our preparation for this match is not fundamentally different from the rest of the matches. The league is tough and every match has its own considerations. We are going through a period of remarkable technical resurgence, and thank God we have collected 6 full points in the last two rounds, in addition to achieving a morale-boosting and important victory in the Gulf Clubs Championship. Our goal is clear, which is to come out with a positive result against Al-Hilal to improve our position in the standings.”.
The strength of Al-Hilal and the philosophy of Ben Zekri
Regarding facing Al-Hilal , which reigns supreme in Asian and Saudi football, Ben Zekri acknowledged the strength of the opponent, pointing out that “Al-Zaeem” possesses an arsenal of stars that is not limited to the starting lineup.
He added, explaining his coaching philosophy: “Al-Hilal is a team that needs no introduction. It has outstanding players in every position, and even their bench includes names capable of playing as starters at any other club. But as a coach, I am not as preoccupied with the results of our rivals as I am with my own team. I focus on my team nine times, and on the opposing team only once. Each match requires special preparation tailored to the opponent's style, and we respect Al-Hilal and give them the study and analysis they deserve.”.
The truth about the Hamdallah-Carrasco dispute
In a related development, Benzekri put an end to recent rumors of disagreements within the Al-Shabab dressing room, specifically between veteran Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah and Belgian star Yannick Carrasco . The stable relationship between these two players is considered a cornerstone of Al-Shabab's attacking strength.
Benzekri stated firmly: “There is no problem between Hamdallah and Carrasco. The players train with a unified spirit, and the team atmosphere is very healthy. What is being circulated in the media is completely untrue, especially as we are in the holy month. Yes, we have technical aspects that we are working to improve and develop, but there are no problems outside of the technical realm. I came here with a specific goal, which is to improve the team's ranking and restore it to its rightful place.”.
A tactical surprise and a message to the public
Regarding the tactical approach he will adopt against Al-Hilal's formidable attacking force, Ben Zekri preferred to maneuver and not reveal his cards, simply saying: "God knows best, and you will see my playing style tomorrow on the field," while confirming at the same time the readiness of all team members and the absence of any significant absences.
The Al-Shabab coach concluded his remarks with an emotional message to the club's fans, emphasizing that Al-Shabab is a prestigious club with a rich history, and that the present moment demands the fans' unwavering support. He said, "I say to the Al-Shabab fans: come and support your team. Football without fans is like a body without a soul. We are working to build a team that meets your aspirations and stays away from the relegation zone.".
