Shabab on the Brink: Ateeif backs Al-Jwasil as the relegation whispers grow louder

Shabab’s Plunge and a Call for Stability

Abdullah Ateeif, the former Saudi football icon, says Al Shabab are heading toward relegation this season due to a run of poor results. He notes their most recent display, a 1-1 draw with Qatari club Al Rayyan, was salvaged by a late strike from Yannick Carrasco, earning a rare point after a string of winless games in the Gulf region’s competitions.

In the Saudi Pro League, Shabab currently sit 14th with 6 points after seven rounds, a position that has fans and pundits whispering about the need for a reset. Ateeif argues that the squad must undergo changes in the January transfer window, underscoring that improvement will require new blood and fresh ideas on the pitch.

Despite the grim picture, Ateeif also firmed his stance on the coach Emmanuel Al-Jwasil, insisting that the Spaniard should remain in charge even if up to 70% of the squad needs overhaul. He believes stability could help the team navigate the difficult phase rather than chasing a quick fix that could backfire later in the season.

Jesus’ Touches, A New Momentum for Nasser

Turning to the wider landscape, Ateeif praised Jorge Jesus for his work at Al Nassr, noting that the coach has managed to translate his ideas to the players even when the lineup isn’t fully stocked with regular starters. Under Jesus, Al Nassr thrashed Goa (India) 4-0 in the AFC Champions League group stage, extending their winning run and highlighting the depth available on the bench.

“The real win is that Jesus now has a rotation of players he can trust when called upon,” Ateeif commented. He pointed out that in cup competitions like the King's Cup clash against Al Ittihad, the absence of some regulars didn’t derail the team’s performance, underscoring the importance of physical and tactical readiness across the squad.

Al Nassr’s domestic dominance was also highlighted as they continue to lead the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record after seven rounds. While they were eliminated from the domestic cup by the same rivals, their presence across multiple competitions remains strong, with star forwards Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo contributing a combined 17 league goals this season. The team’s depth and clinical finishing present a stark contrast to Shabab’s rough patch, though the two clubs share the larger narrative of ambition and accountability in Saudi football.

In another development, goalkeeper Ragid Al-Najjar from Al Nassr addressed a recent touchline moment with coach Jesus, clarifying that any stern exchange was a normal part of high-stakes football and not a personal reprimand. Al-Najjar emphasized the importance of mutual trust and stepping up when called upon, a reminder that leadership on and off the pitch often requires tough conversations and collective resilience.

Meanwhile, the international angle continues to shape the championship picture, with Kingsley Coman and other foreign stars contributing to a broader conversation about squad construction, depth, and the evolving tactical philosophy that coaches like Jesus are bringing to the Saudi stage. Al Nassr’s ongoing ascent provides a benchmark for clubs across the league, including Al Shabab, whose fans will be watching closely as the January window approaches.

And in the latest chapter of the saga, the headlines keep turning toward top-tier ambitions rather than mid-table mediocrity. The championship picture in Saudi football remains as dynamic as ever, with every match offering clues about which teams will contend for trophies and which will scramble to avoid the drop. The season has already shown that a blend of stability, smart recruitment, and effective leadership can change a club’s trajectory in the blink of an eye.

Punchline time: If tactical headaches were a condiment, Shabab would be swimming in hot sauce—spicy, unpredictable, and somehow somehow still tasty to watch. Punchline two: January transfer windows are like clearance sales for football clubs—sudden discounts on hopes, with a few items missing the shelf still in the box. Either way, the fans will stay glued to the drama and the drama queens still wear the headphones to hear the crowd louder than the whistle."