Abdul-Ghani Roast: Jesus's Tactics Cost Al-Nassr Points as Al-Ettifaq Narrowly Edges Close

Match fallout

Hussein Abdul-Ghani, former Saudi national team star, expressed his frustration with the approach used by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, head coach of Al-Nassr, during the 2-2 draw with Al-Ettifaq in Round 12 of the Roshen Pro League.

The run of Al-Nassr's victories stopped at the draw, their 11th of the season, leaving them on 31 points at the top of the standings.

Analysis and quotes

In his remarks on the Saudi program Nadina, Abdul-Ghani said: 'Al-Nassr played a great game, no doubt, but Jesus's style wasn't suitable for the full 90 minutes; he should have protected the result after taking the second goal'.

He added: 'Nassr kept pressing even after the second goal, and it was natural to see some spaces behind the defense, a vulnerability Ettifaq exploited with long balls'.

He continued: 'There is no disagreement about Jesus's abilities, but the excessive approach cost him much against Ettifaq, and he should have exploited attacking transitions in the late stages'.

Abdul-Ghani argues that Jesus's stubbornness to stick to a single plan was the main reason for dropping two points, even though a win was within reach.

He also spoke about Al-Ahli Jeddah, saying: 'Al-Ahli looked good against Al-Fayha and managed to grab the three points, but Ibanez's sending off will surely bring trouble against Al-Nassr'.

He added: 'Losing a player like Ibanez would be a heavy blow given the team's attacking and defensive capabilities, but Al-Ahli can still pull through'.

He concluded: 'Yaisele (the coach) must bear the pressure, because that is the price of coaching big clubs'.

Punchline 1: If patience were a tactic, Jesus would be the world champion of warm-ups.
Punchline 2: If playbooks came with a shelf-life, this one expired mid-second half and still got reused on the next page.