The veteran Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, manager of the Saudi Al-Nassr team, announced the complete readiness of the "Global" squad to host their Turkmen counterpart, Arkadag, in the anticipated match that will take place on Wednesday evening, as part of the second leg of the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2, a tournament in which the Al-Nassr team seeks to advance towards the title.

Jesus's statements regarding preparations and rotation policy

During the pre-match press conference, Jesus spoke realistically about the upcoming match, saying, "We won the first leg, but our opponent will be strong in the return leg, and we are determined to win and advance in the AFC Champions League." These statements underscore the coach's respect for the opponent despite Al-Nassr's advantage, emphasizing the need for a decisive victory in the second leg to secure qualification.

In a related context, the coach pointed to the physical challenges the team faces due to the relentless fixture schedule, adding: "We play matches every three days, which requires a great deal of effort. Therefore, we will be rotating the squad, which is why we couldn't field our strongest lineup in the Asian Champions League." Jesus's rotation policy is considered essential in modern football, especially for clubs competing on multiple fronts, both domestically and continentally, to avoid fatigue and muscle injuries that could cripple key players at crucial points in the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stance and message to the fans

Jesus addressed the situation of the team captain, specifically mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo's age and clarifying the player's physical condition. He said, "Omar is different from the other players and has exerted a great deal of effort in previous matches. We will determine his participation after today's training session." This caution from the coaching staff stems from the immense value the Portuguese star represents and his direct impact on the team's results, necessitating careful management of his fitness levels to ensure he maintains his current level of performance.

Jesus concluded his remarks with a direct and heartfelt message to Al-Nassr's fans, acknowledging the crucial role of their support in Asian competitions. He said, "My message to the fans is to come out as you always have. Their presence boosts the players' morale and pushes them forward, and we always need their support." It is well known that Al-Nassr's fans play a pivotal role in motivating the players, especially in knockout matches that demand mental focus and unwavering moral support throughout the ninety minutes.

It is worth noting that the AFC Champions League 2, with its new format, represents an important opportunity for Saudi clubs to enhance their continental leadership, and the Arkadag match is an important milestone for Al-Nasr to confirm its superiority and seriously compete for the continental title.

In a strategic move that confirms the determination of the management of Al-Khaleej Saudi Club to continue its dominance in the handball arena, the club officially announced the renewal of the contract of the first team star and international player Mujtaba Al Salem , so that he will continue to lead the "Al Dana" squad until 2029. This decision not only reflects the club's desire to maintain its technical stability, but also represents a strong message to competitors that the golden era of Al-Khaleej will continue for years to come.

A key pillar in the golden age of Dana

The renewal of Mujtaba Al Salem's (born 1994) contract comes at a time when Al Khaleej Club is experiencing its most glorious era. The player, who occupies the playmaker and full-back positions, has not only been a member of the team but also the mastermind and driving force behind its recent historic achievements. Al Salem has been instrumental in Al Khaleej's dominance of domestic titles, in addition to the most significant accomplishment: conquering Asia and winning the Asian Club Championship, thus securing the team's prestigious global presence.

Global brilliance in the Super Globe and Egypt

Al-Salem's impact wasn't limited to the local or continental level; it extended globally. The report highlighted the exceptional performances he delivered at the 2024 IHF Men's Super Globe (World Club Championship) hosted by the Egyptian capital. He displayed a level of play comparable to European stars and played a prominent role in competing against international clubs, thus enhancing the standing of Saudi handball and placing it under international scrutiny as a rising force to be reckoned with.

Implications of the long-term contract until 2029

Signing a contract that extends for the next five years until 2029 is a qualitative precedent in Saudi stadiums, and carries profound implications:

• Administrative and technical stability: The contract reflects the management's absolute confidence in the player's physical and technical abilities to perform for many years.
• Identity building: The Al Salem family is considered an extension of a generation of giants, and its presence ensures the transfer of experiences and the fighting spirit known for the "Gulf Grip" to the rising young generations of age groups.
• A message of reassurance to the fans: This renewal represents a gift to the vast fan base of Saihat, who see Al Salem as a symbol of victories and joy.

Historical context and regional competition

This move gains significance from its geographical and historical context, as the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is considered the heartland of handball, witnessing fierce and long-standing competition among its clubs. Therefore, securing a star of Mujtaba Al-Salem's caliber thwarts any attempts to destabilize the team and guarantees Al-Khaleej a technical advantage in upcoming derby and classic matches, both in the domestic league and in future international competitions.

In conclusion, the board of directors of Al Khaleej Club proves through this file its high professionalism in managing the club’s gains, laying a solid foundation for the team’s future, and relying on the leadership of Mujtaba Al Salem to continue writing history and reaping more gold in the next five years.

Rui Pedro, the sporting director of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, affirmed that Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr FC, was not merely a fleeting football signing, but rather the driving force and cornerstone of the historic transformation underway in Saudi Arabian sports. These statements reflect the high regard in which the "Madeira Rocket" is held, not only as a prolific goalscorer but also as the leader of an ambitious sporting project that has captured global attention.

Ronaldo... the architect of the league's transformation

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Pedro candidly explained that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the primary credit for the Saudi Professional League's (SPL) rise to its current prestigious status. Pedro stated, "We must be honest; Cristiano is the main reason we all had the opportunity to work here in the Kingdom." He pointed out that Ronaldo's courageous decision to join Al-Nassr in January 2023 broke down the barriers of hesitation for many international talents, whether top players, administrators, or coaches, paving the way for a fully professional environment.

An impact that goes beyond the green rectangle

The Portuguese star's impact wasn't limited to goals and records; since his arrival in the Kingdom, the Saudi League has transformed into a global phenomenon. This historic move encouraged other luminaries like Karim Benzema, Neymar da Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and N'Golo Kanté to follow suit, driving the league's market value to unprecedented levels. This influx of stars has made broadcasting rights for Saudi League matches highly sought after by television channels in over 140 regions worldwide, a tremendous marketing and media success that can be attributed to the project's inception spearheaded by Ronaldo.

Professionalism and responding on the field

Al-Ahli's sporting director addressed the controversy surrounding Ronaldo's recent absence from some matches, defending his compatriot and emphasizing that Ronaldo's leadership qualities demand nothing less than excellence. Ronaldo demonstrated this practically through his strong return and impactful performance against Al-Fateh, helping to calm the atmosphere within the Al-Nassr camp. Pedro concluded by affirming that Ronaldo, despite his age, still possesses an exceptional passion for breaking records and leading his team to compete on all local and continental fronts, thus remaining the epitome of professionalism in the world of football.