Abdulaziz Al-Malik, President of Al-Shabab Club, praised Al-Lioth’s performance despite the loss to Al-Hilal with a score of (2-0) in the top matches of the fifth round of the Saudi Professional League, pointing out that the current shortcomings are mainly due to the delay in finalizing contracts and the need for harmony between the new elements.
Al-Malik said in statements to the media after the match: “I think we performed beautifully in a big match against a big club. Perhaps we were the better side than the opponent during the course of the first half. The match was decided in small details, but I am very proud of what the team presented.”
He added: "Our team is showing its best level match after match, and I am fully aware that we did not get off to the right start that befits the name of Al-Shabab Club. The points that we wasted and lost were not due to the team being bad, but rather was due to wasting many opportunities, as the team was very excellent in reaching the goal. But the main reason is that our deals began after the date of August 9 after the team returned from the preparatory camp, and therefore the team needs some time to achieve harmony, and, God willing, after the break you will see completely different young men."
Regarding the negotiations regarding the Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, Al-Malik stated: “Riyad Mahrez is a great asset to Saudi football and to Al-Shabab Club, and, God willing, we will see in the next 48 hours what will happen.”
Regarding his evaluation of the deal file, he stated: “We are certainly satisfied with the new players and their excellent levels. Regarding harmony, we have concluded 13 new deals; only three players were with us during the preparation camp, while 10 joined after the camp, and it is very natural that we do not reach complete harmony quickly. Our goal is for Al-Shabab to compete for the Asian title, and the league’s path is very long; the most important thing now is to achieve victory in the next two matches, and after the international break you will see the true picture of Al-Shabab.”
The youth president touched on the issue of the left-back position and the imminent contracts, saying: “Regarding the left-back position, we have Sultan Al-Anzi, and he will be present in the next match on the bench after recovering from a mild injury. The next 48 hours will bring with it goodness and blessings, and the upcoming deals will cover all the team’s needs.”
English Ollie Watkins, Al Hilal striker, stressed the importance of winning against Al-Shabab in his first full match with Al-Zaeem, stressing that his harmony with the rest of the team will gradually increase with the passage of time and matches.
Watkins said in statements to the media after the match: “Today I played a full match in a different atmosphere. There are new elements who have joined Al Hilal recently, including me, and we are all currently going through a phase of harmony and adaptation. The harmony and chemistry between us will certainly develop over time, but what is most important for us today is to achieve victory and collect full points.”
Regarding his assessment of the level of competition in the Saudi League after playing his second match, the English striker explained: “The rhythm of the game is very good. It is normal for the pace of the match to slow down in some periods due to high temperatures, but the tournament includes players of very high quality, and I will adapt quickly to the weather conditions.
Regarding the reasons for his preference to move to the Saudi League and his opinion on the development of the tournament, he said: “Personally, I wanted to take on a new challenge that was available to me and my family. We have lived in the UK all our lives, and moving here and exploring a new culture is a very wonderful experience. Everyone welcomed us warmly and did not skimp on any assistance. Playing for a team the size of Al Hilal, the largest club in Saudi Arabia, is an amazing opportunity for me. I came here to achieve championships and titles.”
Watkins concluded his speech by making a promise to Al Hilal fans, saying: “I promise the fans to score many goals. I did not participate in pre-season preparations, so I am currently working on regaining my full fitness and rhythm. “Wait for me soon, and perhaps you will see me score more than one goal in one match during the upcoming matches.”
