Gulf Coach: We’re Not Afraid of Al-Nassr and We’ll Stay True to Our Game

Facing Al-Nassr with a Small Stone

Georgios Donis, the Greek coach of Al-Khaleej, acknowledged that the upcoming clash with Al-Nassr will be difficult but stressed that he fears nothing and will push his team to the limit for a positive result.

The match is set to take place on Sunday at Al-Awwal Park, closing the ninth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

Facing Al-Nassr with a Small Stone

The coach emphasized that playing against a big club brings a real challenge, given Al-Nassr’s star players. Gulf will approach the game with resolve, understanding that the opposition can hurt them at any moment, yet football always offers a chance.

Donis underlined the importance of arriving with belief, fighting for every ball, and taking every opportunity. He stressed that Gulf will play with hunger and remain faithful to their philosophy and style, relying on their collective effort and discipline.

He noted that Al-Nassr is a top-tier opponent in peak form, but Gulf trusts its own squad and will fight to implement their approach. The defensive unit is prepared to adapt, and while there may be tweaks, the core philosophy remains intact. The mood around preparation is positive and there is no fear ahead of the game.

Donis added that the team trains for various scenarios and that the defense can press high, mid, or compact near the box as needed. The objective is to be tougher defensively when required, a change that depends on players’ attributes and circumstances. Overall, the training has been strong and the atmosphere is supportive heading into this clash.

King Out, Fernandez Suspended

Injury and suspension impacts were also discussed, with the absence of Norwegian striker Joshua King due to injury and Spanish midfielder Paulo Fernandez due to suspension. Donis acknowledged that losing key players affects squad harmony, especially when some teammates return late from international duty.

He explained that each match has a different tactical nuance, but Gulf will maintain its philosophy and play with confidence, fighting until the final whistle. The squad is preparing for all possibilities, with defenders trained to press in different zones and to adapt to various defensive postures near the box. Donis indicated that while there could be adjustments to increase aggressiveness defensively, such changes depend largely on player characteristics. Training has been excellent and the current mood is positive, with no fear of Al-Nassr.

Al-Nassr’s Run and Joao Felix’s Form

The league leaders began the season with a win over Tawoun and sit just behind the top spot, three points behind the leaders, after a series of strong results. Their campaign has seen them collect more victories and push their title chances forward, while Gulf remains focused on its own path among a demanding schedule that includes several tough fixtures against teams that finished high in the previous season’s standings.

Joao Felix has boosted his tally to 10 goals in the Roshen Saudi Pro League, placing him at the top of the scorers’ list and just ahead of rivals. Felix has appeared in 16 league games for Al-Nassr, contributing goals and assists that underscore his influence. His numbers surpass some of his prior club runs, including benchmark tallies from earlier seasons at Barcelona, Chelsea, and Milan, highlighting a productive spell in the current campaign.

Overall, Al-Nassr’s attacking prowess remains formidable, but Gulf’s preparation is built on organization, discipline, and playing to their strengths. The clash promises to be a tactical test that could hinge on stubborn defense, smart transitions, and the little moments that decide tight league games.