Roberto Mancini, the Italian coach of the Saudi national football team, highlighted the challenges of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Indonesia, emphasizing the significant development and professionalism of the Indonesian team.
Mancini praised the positive impact of foreign players in the Saudi league on local talent and expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent performances, including the transfer of player Saud Abdulhamid to Roma as a key step for Saudi players' professional growth.
Player Fahad Al-Muwallad expressed confidence in the team's readiness for the match, pride in representing the national team, and hope for strong fan support throughout the World Cup qualification campaign.
Jeddah, September 5, 2024 — Roberto Mancini, the esteemed Italian head coach of the Saudi national football team, has underscored the significant challenges that lie ahead in their forthcoming match against the Indonesian national team. This critical encounter, set to take place tomorrow at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, is a pivotal fixture in the first round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a press conference held today in Jeddah, Mancini addressed the importance of the match, emphasizing that it represents not only the opening game in the World Cup qualifiers but also a crucial test for his team. "The Indonesian team has shown impressive development over the past decade, boasting professional players who are well-equipped to compete at high levels," Mancini remarked. He assured fans, however, that the Saudi team is thoroughly prepared and focused on achieving a victory. Mancini’s strategic insight reflects his confidence in his squad’s readiness and tactical acumen.
The Italian coach also discussed the beneficial influence of foreign players in the Saudi league, noting that the presence of eight international players is instrumental in enriching the experience of local talents. According to Mancini, this exposure allows Saudi players to interact with seasoned professionals, thereby enhancing their development and increasing their opportunities to shine on the field.
Mancini conveyed his satisfaction with the current squad, highlighting their recent performance against South Korea as a positive indicator of the team's potential, despite the eventual loss. He also praised the recent transfer of player Saud Abdulhamid to Roma, describing it as a milestone in the professional development of Saudi footballers. While Mancini clarified that he was not directly involved in Abdulhamid’s move, he acknowledged having provided the player with advice and expressed hope that more Saudi players will seek opportunities abroad. Such international experience is seen as vital for reaching the competitive standards of players from countries like Japan, Australia, and Korea.
Additionally, player Fahad Al-Muwallad shared his perspective on the upcoming match, recognizing the inherent challenges of opening fixtures in any tournament. Despite this, he expressed a strong sense of readiness and determination within the team, aiming to secure the first three points in their qualification campaign. Al-Muwallad conveyed his pride in earning Coach Mancini’s trust and emphasized the honor of representing the national team. He also voiced his hope for robust support from fans, which he believes will be crucial for their success throughout the qualification process.
