Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira, of Al-Ittihad, spoke about the tense aftermath of the King’s Cup clash with Al-Nassr, a match which Al-Ittihad won 2-1 at Al-Ittihad Park. The confrontation with the Nasr fans spilled onto the field, prompting quick dampers from teammates and officials alike.
The match itself saw Pereira help steer his side to victory, with the win coming in a hard-fought battle that tested focus and character. After the final whistle, tensions flared as Pereira found himself in a heated moment with supporters from the opposite camp, and it was teammate Jorge Jesus who stepped in to cool the air and restore balance.
Jesus later posted on his Instagram account, signaling a blunt line: “If you don’t respect me, I won’t respect you—it’s as simple as that.” Pereira later clarified to Al Arabiya’s online channel that the post-match clash did not involve Jesus; he said he has immense respect for his former coach and trainer, but stressed the disturbance came from the opposing crowd, not the manager’s touchline presence.
Pereira explained the spark: when Al-Nassr equalized in the first half, the crowd began to chant and gesture toward him. He admitted the moment upset him, and after the game he walked toward the stands to remind everyone that players from both sides deserve respect and that football should be about competition, not personal affronts.
Ronaldo’s message
The Portuguese defender also touched on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance, noting that Ronaldo is an exceptional player and a national team captain, and expressing some satisfaction that Ronaldo did not find the net in this derby-style encounter. Pereira highlighted their focus on defending the title in the King’s Cup rather than chasing individual glory, emphasizing the team’s overall mood and defensive discipline.
He described the match as a solid team performance, noting that although Al-Nassr managed to level the score at one point, his side kept a high degree of concentration and regained the lead. Pereira added that the union’s fans have always stood behind them, a sentiment he reciprocates with daily commitment to the team’s back line and goal protection.
In Pereira’s view, his 40th appearance for Al-Ittihad underscored his durability: over his time with the club he has netted four goals, with half of them coming in the King’s Cup. He also recalled his past form in key cups against top opposition and credited those moments with shaping his current leadership role.
According to Pereira, the match also highlighted his role as a stabilizing force in defense. His experience from Porto and Paris Saint-Germain—where he learned leadership and game-reading instincts—has helped him anchor the back line, organize teammates, and contribute to ball progression from the back. His presence has reduced costly errors and increased defensive solidity, especially in aerial duels and set-piece situations. While Al-Ittihad continues to seek consistency in results, Pereira remains a cornerstone of the tactical plan and a player fans can rely on for steadiness and commitment.
He expressed gratitude toward the Al-Ittihad fans, stressing that their support is felt in every minute of play. The defender believes their love is mutual and that his best football often comes in moments of trust from the supporters who believe in him and his mates.
Defensive stalwart
Pereira’s hard-nosed, physical game and his ability to read play are central to a balanced approach that has helped the club strike a better balance between defense and attack. His long club career has given him a leadership aura on the field, guiding teammates and maintaining structure, especially when opponents press high.
He closed with a reminder of his ongoing commitment: continuing to perform at a high level, protecting the goalkeeper, and denying the opposition any real opportunity to pressure. His affection for the club’s supporters remains evident, and he believes the feeling is mutual as long as he stays focused and disciplined on the pitch.
Punchline time: If defending were an art, Pereira would be the abstract painter—mysterious strokes, but every line wins the scene. Sniper line two: when life gives you a big cup tie, bring a bigger defense and a cooler head—Pereira’s there to carpe diem the chaos with a clean sheet in sight.
