Portuguese coach Jorge Jesús praised Al Hilal for achieving their initial goal of winning the Super Cup but emphasized that they have many more objectives to accomplish in the season ahead. After a convincing 3-1 victory against Al Ittihad in the Saudi Clasico, the capital club now sits at the top of the Saudi Pro League table after four rounds. Jesús highlighted the need for a home ground that players and fans can acclimatize to, mentioning that Al Hilal has been playing at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium while waiting for the Kingdom Arena to be ready for future matches. He also noted the high quality of play in the match, with three high-quality goals scored in the first half, despite the challenging temperature making it difficult to maintain the same pace for the full ninety minutes.
Jesús also praised Al Ittihad’s improvement this season compared to last, acknowledging the global viewership of the match and the high-quality football displayed, which captivated fans not only in Saudi Arabia but also in Portugal, Brazil, and beyond. When discussing tactics, Jesús emphasized the importance of defensive strength against dangerous players like Moussa Diaby, commending Renan Lodi for his performance and noting the increased threat posed by Diaby when Lodi left the field. He highlighted Lodi’s strength defensively, even if he may not be as creative offensively as other players.
On Al Hilal’s overall strength, Jesús stated that the team is strong not just locally but also on the continental level, showcasing their difficulty to defeat. Despite a challenging start to the season, Jesús highlighted a year of experience without a loss, aside from one continental defeat. He expressed confidence in his squad’s spirit and tactical cohesion, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining consistency in any team but remaining focused on their goals for the season, which include winning the cup and league, as well as aiming for success in the World Cup and continental finals.
In conclusion, Jesús reiterated the team’s achievements in winning the Super Cup and emphasized the importance of setting new targets for the future. He highlighted the team’s strong performance and their potential for success in upcoming competitions, expressing confidence in their ability to maintain their winning streak. With a blend of tactical prowess and team spirit, Al Hilal under the guidance of Jorge Jesús looks poised to make a significant impact in the season ahead, both domestically and internationally.
