When a Cup Exit Sparks a Rally: Jesus Urges United Front for Al-Nassr’s Al-Fayha Showdown
30 October 2025
Match Context
The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus of Al-Nassr stressed that the current phase demands unity and strong fan backing after the latest 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. He reiterated that the team, nicknamed the Global, is competing fiercely for all titles this season, with the Saudi Pro League at the forefront.
Jesus opened his remarks at the press conference ahead of the Al-Fayha clash in Round 7 by underscoring that losses are part of football. He pointed to the strong performances the team has delivered since the season began and reminded everyone that no squad can win every match, no matter how formidable they appear.
Preview of the Al-Fayha Clash
Al-Nassr will host Al-Fayha in Riyadh, aiming to make amends after the cup exit as they prepare for Saturday’s league fixture. The team sits top of the table after six rounds and seeks to maintain momentum against a tricky opponent under the leadership of Pedro Emmanuel, who is noted as a capable coach for a side that can trouble bigger clubs.
In the buildup, the club’s supporters were urged to stay behind the players, with Jesus saying the upcoming match carries significance on par with the most challenging games they faced earlier in the campaign.
Formation, Fitness, and Focus
The coach did not shy away from the tough topics, admitting the India trip as part of the ACL 2 schedule had left some players dealing with fatigue and illness. He explained that post-trip recoveries are crucial if the team is to compete for the Saudi Pro League crown and also challenge for the AFC competition. He cited the need for renewed concentration and sharper focus as they shift from a difficult loss to turning attention toward the next obstacle.
Regarding squad selection, Jesus elaborated on his goalkeeper rotation: Pinto has earned his trust, along with Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghid Al-Najjar, with a strategy that leverages eight foreign players when possible, and a different approach when the quota is tighter. The objective is practical performance, not celebrity.
He reaffirmed the club’s broader aims: lifting the Saudi Pro League title and pursuing the AFC Champions League 2 crown, with the ultimate prize being the league itself. He reflected on what went wrong against Al-Ittihad, highlighting lapses in concentration rather than a systemic fault, and stressed that football is not a flawless math problem—there are many variables on match day.
There was emphasis on the forthcoming Al-Fayha game, noting the visitors’ ability to create trouble against top sides thanks to a handful of foreign players spearheaded by Pedro Emmanuel. Jesus pointed out that Al-Fayha is a team that can disrupt even the best setups when they play with intensity and organizational discipline.
Top of the standings with 18 points, Al-Nassr holds a comfortable lead over second-placed teams, while Al-Fayha sits tenth with eight points after a mix of wins, losses, and draws. Historically, the ledger favors Al-Nassr, who have won the vast majority of their 14 encounters, building confidence ahead of the weekend meeting.
"The last match against Ittihad was a tough blow, ending a long winning run in the various competitions, including a 10-game streak across the season," Jesus noted. Since losing the Super Cup final to Al-Ahli, the team has still managed several wins across domestic and continental competitions, but that streak was halted by this Cup setback.
As the press conference wrapped up, Jesus announced that preparations for the Al-Fayha game had begun immediately, emphasizing balance and the satisfaction of the supporters as the aim remains clear: win the upcoming match, regain rhythm, and keep challenging for top honors in the league and beyond. In football, being realistic is fine; being boring is not.
Sniper Punchlines – Because even a great plan benefits from a little aim: 1) If consistency were a player, it would be benched. 2) The only thing sharper than our tactics is the post-game coffee that signs autographs for the crowd.
