Following the intense match between Al-Taawon and Al-Ettifaq in the twentieth round of the Roshan Professional League, Al-Taawon's Brazilian coach, Pericles Chamusca, made important statements to explain the reasons for the 1-0 loss, stressing that the numerical result did not reflect the true course of the game on the pitch, and that his team deserved a better result based on the performance presented.

During the post-match press conference, Shamouska explained that his team delivered outstanding performances and were the better side throughout both halves. The Brazilian coach based his analysis on statistics, pointing out that possession clearly favored Al-Qassim's "Sukkari," as their players controlled the midfield and dictated the flow of play. However, the real problem lay in the final touch and the strikers' lack of luck in converting the numerous chances they created into goals.

The Al-Taawoun coach addressed a crucial point that directly impacted the players' physical and mental performance: the pressure of matches. He pointed out that playing an official match every three days places a significant burden on the team, causing general fatigue that depleted the players' energy and reduced their focus during crucial moments in front of the opponent's goal. The congested match schedule is a major challenge for clubs competing in the Saudi League, given the high pace of competition and the constant need to maintain peak physical condition.

In a related context, Shamouska addressed the changes to the team's roster, specifically the departure of several key players during the winter transfer window. Despite these significant absences, which could disrupt any coach's plans, Shamouska demonstrated leadership by expressing his complete and unwavering confidence in all the current players and their ability to fill the void left by those who left and provide the necessary technical contribution in the upcoming matches.

This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is witnessing tremendous development and fierce competition to improve their standings, as mid-table and top-ranked clubs strive to secure their positions and compete for continental qualification spots. Dropping points in such rounds is a significant blow, but Al-Taawoun's performance under Shamouska has consistently been characterized by tactical organization and a quick return to winning ways, thanks to the Brazilian coach's extensive experience in Saudi football and his deep understanding of the league's intricacies.

It is worth noting that the match ended with Al-Ettifaq winning by a single goal on Tuesday evening, a result that requires the technical staff of Al-Taawoun to work quickly to address the crisis of wasted opportunities and physical recovery in preparation for the upcoming matches in the long league marathon.

Al-Ettifaq's head coach, Saad Al-Shehri, expressed his great satisfaction with the team's performance and the positive result achieved in their 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun on Tuesday evening, in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This win helped restore balance to the "Nawakhda" squad after a difficult period for the team.

During the post-match press conference, Al-Shehri emphasized that the break and rest period granted to the players following their heavy 4-0 defeat against Al-Ahli served as a crucial turning point. He explained that the coaching staff utilized this time not only for physical recovery but also for intensive mental and tactical work to address the defensive and organizational errors that surfaced in the previous round. This was clearly reflected in the team's discipline against a tough opponent like Al-Taawoun.

Speaking about the match's positive aspects, the Saudi coach praised the young players in Al-Ettifaq's squad, describing them as "exceptional." Saad Al-Shehri is historically known for his skill in discovering and developing young talent, given his extensive experience with Saudi youth national teams. This leads him to consistently rely on blending youthful energy with experienced players to secure the team's future. Al-Shehri said, "I have full confidence in the squad, and the young players have proven their worthiness to wear the Al-Ettifaq jersey.".

This match holds particular importance for the team this season, as a victory against Al-Taawoun, a strong contender for the top spots, would demonstrate Al-Ettifaq's ability to bounce back quickly and get back on track. Al-Shehri emphasized that his priority now is consistency and continued hard work to avoid repeating mistakes in the future, ensuring progress in the Roshan League standings, which are witnessing fierce competition this season.

It is worth noting that this victory gave Al-Ettifaq three valuable points that strengthened its position in the league, and proved the success of the technical staff in containing the psychological effects of the previous loss, reflecting tactical and administrative maturity within the dressing room.

Talk of French star Karim Benzema's potential move to Saudi club Al-Hilal during the winter transfer window has caused a stir in sporting circles, prompting an official clarification from the highest football authority in the Kingdom. In this context, Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, addressed the legal aspects of this possible deal decisively, clarifying the regulations governing the transfer of professional players.

In exclusive statements to Al-Midan, Al-Musahal confirmed that international and local regulations are clear and explicit on this matter, saying: "According to the regulations, any player who has entered the final six months of his contract has the right to negotiate with any club, regardless of its name, without needing to consult his original club." Al-Musahal added, clarifying the federation's role in such major deals: "I am not aware of the details of Benzema's contract with Al-Hilal, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has no direct involvement in the recruitment and contracting program, as these matters are managed by specialized committees and club administrations.".

Deal details and international regulations

Al-Musahal's statements confirm the commitment of Saudi clubs to FIFA regulations, which grant players complete freedom to determine their own future once they enter the free agency period of their contracts. Reports indicate that Al-Hilal officials have already finalized a deal with the veteran French striker for a season and a half, after reaching a comprehensive agreement on all financial and contractual terms, thus bolstering the team's attacking prowess in both domestic and continental competitions.

The context of the competition and the development of the Roshan League

This flurry of activity in the transfer market is part of the remarkable growth of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a preferred destination for some of the world's biggest football stars. The transfer of a player of Karim Benzema's caliber, a Ballon d'Or winner, between top Saudi clubs reflects the intense competition and the ongoing desire of major clubs to strengthen their squads with the best available players to ensure they continue to win titles.

Al-Hilal's field preparations

Away from the bustle of the winter transfer window, Al-Hilal's first football team continues its intensive technical and physical preparations. The "Blue Wave" is gearing up for a crucial match against Al-Akhdoud in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This highly anticipated game is scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new home ground, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that adds to the advanced infrastructure of Saudi sports. The team aims to extend its winning streak and solidify its position at the top of the league.