In a crucial press conference, French coach Christophe Galtier, manager of Neom FC, clarified the team's future, emphasizing that the upcoming match against Damac FC represents a true turning point for getting back on track and improving the team's position in the league standings. Galtier stressed that discipline and hard work are the only way to achieve the desired results, moving beyond the idea of ​​relying solely on individual talent.

Commenting on the previous match, Galtier said: “I’d like to mention the last game against Al Ahly. Some moments frustrated me and prompted me to react, but I’m happy to be part of a great project focused on developing young players and raising their performance level.” The French coach, known for his tactical strictness, added: “I hate losing and I don’t want us to lose any match. High talent alone isn’t enough to achieve results; daily discipline and the coach’s focus on player development are essential.”.

Project background and importance

The appointment of a coach of Christophe Galtier's caliber, who led clubs like Lille to victory in the French league against Paris Saint-Germain, reflects the ambitious goals of the NEOM Sports Club project. This project falls under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a strong and sustainable sports sector. The club represents the sporting face of the futuristic city of NEOM, placing upon it the responsibility of achieving successes commensurate with the scale of the global project it represents. For this reason, Galtier explained that the project is "long-term and cannot be judged at this stage," emphasizing that building a competitive team requires time and sustained effort.

Strategic impact trasciende three points

In response to a question from Al-Midan Al-Riyadi regarding the impact of the upcoming matches, Galtier didn't hesitate to emphasize their strategic importance, stating, "The next three matches will make a significant difference in our league standings, starting with the Damac game, where we aim to secure all three points to strengthen our position." A victory in this match wouldn't just add three points to the team's tally; it would represent a tremendous morale boost for the players and send a strong message to our rivals that NEOM is capable of imposing its style of play and achieving its goals. The coach reiterated this, saying he always strives "to make the opposing team struggle during matches." A positive result would bolster the confidence of the management and fans in the French coach's tactical vision and his ability to steer this ambitious project towards its desired success.

In a crucial tactical move ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Al-Ettifaq coach Saad Al-Shehri has finalized his list of foreign players who will lead the team against Al-Ahli in a crucial match in the Saudi Professional League. This game comes at a pivotal point in the season, as both teams seek to improve their positions in the league standings.

The context of the competition and the importance of the match

The Saudi Professional League (SPL) has witnessed a qualitative leap in recent years, attracting top-tier stars from major European leagues, thus raising the level of competitiveness and excitement to unprecedented levels. In this context, Al-Ettifaq, one of the historic clubs in the Eastern Province with a history of achievements, seeks to reclaim its former glory and compete strongly for top positions, relying on a blend of local talent and international experience. The match against Al-Ahli takes on added importance; Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the top flight and one of the giants of Saudi football, represents a true test of the ambitions of the "Knights of Ad-Dahna." A positive result for Al-Ettifaq in this encounter will not only grant them three valuable points but will also send a powerful message to the other competitors about their ability to challenge the top teams.

Analysis of the list of foreigners and its expected impact

Al-Shehri's selection of foreign players reflects his tactical vision for the match, featuring prominent names across all positions to achieve the necessary balance between defense and attack. The final squad includes:

• Marek Rodak: The Slovakian goalkeeper who provides security for the back line.
• Jack Hendry: The Scottish international defender known for his toughness.
• Francisco Calvo: The Costa Rican defender who adds international experience.
• Georginio Wijnaldum: The Dutch star and midfield maestro, with his extensive experience with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Joao Costa: The young Portuguese player who represents the future of the team.
• Mohau Nkota: The South African striker who is characterized by speed and skill.
• Moussa Dembele: The veteran French striker and goalscorer capable of deciding matches.

Al-Shehri and Al-Ettifaq fans hope that this seven foreign players, along with their local teammates, will deliver the expected performance to translate their dominance on the field into goals and results. Victory in such high-stakes matches is what determines the path of teams aspiring to compete for the Roshan League title, which has become one of the most followed leagues regionally and globally.

In a remarkable move reflecting the high ambitions of Saudi clubs even outside the Saudi Professional League, Al-Ula FC, competing in the Yellow League (First Division), announced the official signing of Brazilian star Michael Delgado, formerly of Al-Hilal FC, on a one-and-a-half-year contract. This signing is expected to be a significant addition to the team and underscores the club's strategy of attracting top-tier players to achieve its goal of promotion to the top flight.

Background of the deal and the player's career

Michael Delgado (28 years old) is considered one of the most prominent foreign players to have graced the Saudi League in recent years. He joined Al-Hilal from Brazilian club Flamengo and quickly proved his worth thanks to his exceptional speed, individual skills, and ability to make a difference in the attacking third. During his time with Al-Hilal, Delgado became a key player in the team's lineup, contributing to numerous domestic and continental achievements and leaving a lasting impression on Al-Hilal fans who loved him for his passion and fighting spirit on the pitch.

The importance of the deal for Al-Ula club and the Yellow Subs League

The signing of a player of Michael Delgado's caliber and experience represents a significant leap forward, not only for Al-Ula FC but for the entire Saudi First Division. This move reflects the growing appeal of the Saudi sports project, which is no longer limited to top-tier clubs but has extended to lower divisions that now possess the financial resources and ambition to attract international stars. For Al-Ula FC, this acquisition sends a clear message of their intention to compete strongly for a promotion spot to the Roshan League. Delgado's experience in handling high-pressure matches will be a crucial factor in the later stages of the season, and his presence will undoubtedly contribute to raising the technical level of his teammates.

Expected impact on the sports scene

Domestically, the signing of Michael is expected to draw even more media and public attention to the Yellow League, boosting its marketing value and competitiveness. It may also encourage other clubs in the same division to follow Al-Ula's lead and attract top players, thus raising the overall level of the league and making it more exciting. Regionally, this deal underscores the depth of Saudi football, demonstrating that its clubs are now capable of competing for players who, until recently, were only targets for the region's elite clubs. It is a testament to the comprehensive development of the football system in the Kingdom, which aims to build a solid and sustainable foundation for long-term success.