Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa, manager of Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, made fiery statements full of appreciation and respect for his upcoming opponent, Al-Ahli Saudi, just hours before the anticipated match between the two teams in the next round of the AFC Champions League, which is scheduled to be held at Al-Inma Stadium.

In the pre-match press conference, Souza emphasized the difficulty of the task against such a seasoned opponent, praising Al-Ahli's high level of skill. Speaking to the media, Souza said, "First, I would like to congratulate Al-Ahli on their outstanding performances last season. We are very happy to be facing a great team like Al-Ahli, a champion with a rich history in Asia.".

The Portuguese coach used an eloquent analogy to describe the technical and tactical state of his opponent, saying: “Tomorrow we face a very disciplined team. They operate like a Swiss watch, both in terms of collective performance and results,” in a clear reference to the high level of organization and harmony between the lines of the Saudi team under the leadership of its technical staff.

A huge morale boost for Al-Ahly before the Asian competition

Al-Ahli Saudi enters this match in high spirits, seeking victory against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai to continue its winning streak and strengthen its position in both domestic and continental competitions. This match comes at a time when the team is enjoying a period of attacking brilliance, having secured a resounding victory in its last Saudi Professional League match against its neighbor, Al-Shabab.

The recent Riyadh derby ended with a resounding 5-2 victory for Al-Ahli, a result that sent a strong warning to all rivals and confirmed the club's readiness to compete on all fronts this season. Al-Ahli aims to capitalize on this high morale to secure points in their upcoming Asian Champions League match and take a significant step towards the knockout stages.

The importance of Asian elite matches

This match holds special significance as it falls within the new format of the AFC Champions League, which brings together the elite clubs of Asia. Saudi-Emirati encounters are always considered a "Gulf derby," characterized by intense rivalry and high fan turnout. Fans view this match as a true test of both coaches' abilities. Shabab Al Ahli will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans (or other surrounding circumstances) to achieve a positive result against one of the strongest contenders for the title, while Al Ahli Saudi aims to reaffirm its dominance and the formidable strength it has demonstrated domestically and translate that to the continental stage.

Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto Matheus, the goalkeeper for Al-Nassr's first football team, revealed the real reasons behind his remarkable performance with "Al-Aalami" recently, after a series of strong performances in local and continental competitions, which culminated in keeping a clean sheet on several occasions.

Pinto's statements after the Al-Fateh match

Speaking to the official broadcaster after the Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh match, Pinto Matheus said: "I think the most important thing is to get back to playing and participating as a starter. I went through a complicated situation and was close to leaving earlier, but in the end I didn't leave and decided to stay and fight for my position.".

The Brazilian goalkeeper added, explaining the secret to the recent defensive solidity: "This series of matches without conceding goals is not a coincidence, but rather the result of my hard and continuous work. I never stopped being dedicated to training at any moment, and I continued to work all the time to be ready when needed.".

Important win in the Roshan League

These statements came after Pinto led his team, Al-Nassr, to a valuable 2-0 victory over Al-Fateh in their last match of the Saudi Professional League. Pinto's crucial saves boosted the confidence of the defense and secured the three points for the Riyadh-based team.

The importance of defensive stability for victory

Pinto Matheus's impressive performance comes at a crucial time in the season, as Al-Nassr aims to compete strongly for all available titles. The goalkeeping position is considered a key pillar of the team, and Al-Nassr relied on this when they signed the Brazilian international from the Brazilian league to compensate for absences and ensure stability in the back line.

Keeping a clean sheet is a positive indicator reflecting the coach's improved defensive system, giving the team a significant advantage in winning matches, especially given Al-Nassr's formidable attacking force boasting world-class stars. Pinto's return to form and confidence represents a tremendous morale boost for the team as they strive to close the gap with their rivals at the top of the league.

General context and professional influence

Pinto's impressive performances are part of the overall development of the Saudi Professional League, which now boasts some of the world's best players. This high level of competition forces professional players to perform at their best to secure a starting position. Pinto's statements have demonstrated that a professional mindset and patience are key to success in a demanding and competitive football environment like the Saudi League, sending a reassuring message to Al-Nassr fans about the future of the team's goalkeeping position.

In a strategic move aimed at securing the future of Al-Hilal and preserving its technical achievements, His Royal Highness Prince Nawaf bin Saad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Hilal Club Company, met with the players of the under-21 football team. This meeting culminated in the signing of new professional contracts for a large number of promising players, in addition to the renewal of contracts for others, in an administrative move that reflects the long-term vision of the Riyadh-based club.

This move is an extension of Al Hilal's long-standing administrative approach, which prioritizes the youth sector as the primary source and lifeblood of the first team. Through these contracts, the club's management aims to provide mental and technical stability for young talents, enabling them to fully focus on developing their abilities. This ensures a continuous flow of stars to the first team and contributes to preserving Al Hilal's distinctive playing style, which has been a hallmark of the club for decades.

List of future stars of Al-Hilal

The list of players who secured professional contracts and renewed their ties with the club included 22 players: Samer Al-Naami, Ahmed Hamza, Luay Al-Obaidi, Mustafa Hassanin, Youssef Al-Sharari, Bader Heba, Ahmed Bin Humaid, Saad Al-Mutairi, Fahad Falatah, Ali Al-Mahdawi, Saud Haroun, Abdulaziz Jarmoush, Abdulaziz Bin Muammar, Khaled Al-Lahyan, Ibrahim Al-Hamlan, Abdullah Al-Zaid, Turki Al-Ghamil, Abdul-Ilah Al-Ghamdi, Saleh Barnawi, Ali Al-Saeed, Rayan Al-Ghamdi, and Mohammed Al-Zaid. These players are considered the core of the future of Saudi football, and they are expected to make a significant contribution in upcoming competitions.

The importance of investing in age groups

Historically, Al-Hilal has been known as a "factory of stars," with its academy and youth teams producing numerous legends who have led the Saudi national team and Asian football. This latest move reinforces the club's philosophy of relying on its own players, especially given the current high level of competition in Saudi football. Signing contracts with 22 players at once sends a clear message about the strength of the club's foundation and its ability to continuously replenish the squad without relying solely on external signings.

Field preparations for the first team

In the current competitions, Al-Hilal's first football team continues its intensive preparations to face Al-Wahda in the final round of the AFC Champions League group stage. The highly anticipated match will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new home ground, where the club aims to extend its winning streak and solidify its continental dominance, bolstered by a strong foundation of young players and seasoned veterans.