The Greek Giorgos Donis, the coach of the Saudi national team, confirmed that Alaa Al Hajji’s career in the Gulf Cup tournament “Gulf 27” has ended, after he suffered an injury against Oman, in the match that ended with “Al-Akhdar” winning 3-0, in the second round of the first group.
Donis said during the press conference after the confrontation: “I think we gave a great performance and excellent positioning in the first half, and when we lost the ball, we were all pressing as a group, and we waited for the right time to score goals.”
He added: “But, on the other hand, I am not happy about the performance in the second half. We suffered from some injuries, and Alaa Al Hajji, who was outstanding in the match, left, as I learned that he was suffering from a knee injury that would keep him out for about three weeks at best. On the other hand, Muhammad Al-Qahtani will be present in group training tomorrow.
The “Al-Akhdar” coach added: “We were calm and did not lose the ball easily, and although the Omani team had some chances in the second half, and we should have continued steadfastly until the last minute, in terms of attack, we demonstrated our great improvement during this match.”
Regarding the participation of striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan and the media pressure directed towards him, he explained: “In general, in football, I try as a coach to provide support to the players and give them tactical and mental advice. I don't think it's a good idea to target a specific player and blame him alone; We play every match with 11 players, and all elements are important to me. The media is sometimes harsh on a player, and sometimes supports him. This is the nature of football, and everyone has his own opinion, but within the national team we trust ourselves, and our constant priority is development.”
Regarding the rotation policy and managing physical effort, the Greek pointed out: “It is very natural to rotate between players; We play a match every three days, and the extent of injuries or fatigue cannot be predicted. Before the start of the tournament, I became more familiar with the players and their level of preparedness. There are elements that need to develop some aspects, and we must work on resting them physically. If we want to build a distinguished national team, we must have more than 11 ready players.”
Regarding the chances of competing for the title after ensuring qualification to the semi-finals, Denis stressed: “We believe very much in ourselves and in the way we work daily. I would not prefer to say that we are ready to lift the title, but rather I say that we will work step by step, match by match, and everyone will be ready. I completely trust the players, and if we had the mentality and organization that we showed in the first half until the end of the tournament, I believe in our ability to win the title.”
Denis touched on the conversation about building the tactical identity of “Al-Akhdar,” explaining: “We are still at the beginning as a team, and I am also at the beginning of my journey with them, and we were not fully prepared during the World Cup. Step by step, it is important that the players reach a stage where they automatically understand the tactical and mental aspects.”
He continued: “I like the players’ passion in handling and moving the ball, and I always repeat to them: If we want to win, we must increase focus on every detail, whether inside the locker room or on the field.”
He concluded: “It is also important for the players to understand each other’s characteristics. There are elements who may not be at their best when they have the ball, so I tell them: Do not pass to the player who is stressed or not good with the ball, and pass to the players who are able to manage the game and control the rhythm.”
