RIYADH: Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard said it was “extremely nice” to have Moussa Dembele back in Roshn Saudi League action after his No. 9 made a substitute return following knee surgery.
The former Fulham, Celtic, Atletico Madrid and Lyon striker played the final 20 minutes of the 0-0 draw at Al-Shabab on Thursday night. The game at the new Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh saw Ettifaq finish with 10 men following Demarai Gray’s red card, while the hosts ended with nine after Ever Banega and Gustavo Cuellar were both dismissed.
While frustrated not to have taken all three points — Dembele nearly made the perfect return with a late header that went over the bar — Gerrard said that having his top scorer back was a boost. Al-Ettifaq have failed to score in five of the eight games since the French striker last played, drawing three and losing two.
“It’s extremely nice to see Moussa Dembele back, extremely nice,” Gerrard said.
“When we get Moussa back up in a better place physically and get more minutes into him then I’m sure we’ll carry more of a threat. Moussa Dembele brings goals and assists. The good thing is we have him back. He’s a goalscorer. We’ve missed that quality.”
The former Rangers manager’s comments on the return of Dembele, who netted seven goals in eight Roshn Saudi League matches before his injury at the beginning of October, were echoed by teammate Jack Hendry.
“It’s very big for us to have him back. He’s a figurehead for us up front,” the defender said.
“He’s going to be the key to us winning games and kind of turning our fortunes in the right direction. Moussa’s a proven goalscorer. I played with him at Celtic and I know what he can bring to a team, so to have a figurehead like him up front is going to be important for us moving forward.”
Dembele said: “We will continue to work hard to improve our finishing.”
Ahead of weekend fixtures, Al-Ettifaq — who next play Al-Taawoun at home on Saturday, Dec. 16 — sit eighth in the league table.
“The game as it progressed was certainly there for the taking,” Gerrard said. “When we had a man advantage, we made a tactical change to take a defender off and bring Moussa on to be more aggressive and more opportunities came. We’re a bit frustrated we haven’t gone and taken the big opportunity to go and win the game.
“We’ll continue to grind until we find our rhythm and confidence in the final third, but we want to challenge individuals and the collective to bring more in the final third.”
Steven Gerrard: ‘Extremely nice’ to have Moussa Dembele back for Al-Ettifaq
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Steven Gerrard: ‘Extremely nice’ to have Moussa Dembele back for Al-Ettifaq
- French striker makes return in draw with Al-Shabab after 2 months out
- Moussa ‘key to us winning games,’ teammate Jack Hendry says
Al-Nassr star Ronaldo calls Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea his ‘second home’, describes AlUla as ‘spiritual’
Al-Nassr star Ronaldo calls Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea his ‘second home’, describes AlUla as ‘spiritual’
DUBAI: Portuguese football star Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, said that it was easy for him and his family adapting to Saudi Arabia after signing with the Saudi football club to a two-and-a-half-year contract.
“To be honest, I am really happy to be there [Saudi Arabia],” Ronaldo said in an interview former Portuguese footballer, Rio Ferdinand.
“For me the adaptation was easy, and I really love it to be there,” he said. “It is a lovely country; I love to be there; my family loves to be there.”
Ronaldo was one of the first top-name recruits to the Saudi Pro League at the start of 2023, which paved the way for entry of other big-league players from Europe.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began his club career with Portuguese side Sporting CP before joining Manchester United in 2003. Ronaldo moved to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid after six seasons at United. He then played for two years with Juventus before making a return to the Red Devils in 2021 where he played until 2023, before departing for the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo became the first man to score 900 career goals after tapping in the ball at the 34th minute of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League group stage match against Croatia in Lisbon, which they won 2-1.
The Portuguese football star called Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea his “second house,” adding that he loves to spend time there with his family.
“The Red Sea which is my second home or [even my] first home is unbelievable like a diamond,” he said, adding that it is “one of the most beautiful places” he has ever been to.
Ronaldo also spoke on AlUla, an increasingly famous tourist spot in Saudi Arabia’s northwest located near two oases, Khaybar and Tayma.
“It is beautiful because it is spiritual, you can feel the energy there. I felt it as well, to be honest,” the Portuguese star said.
“Even in the mountains they have snow. People in Saudi [Arabia]? Yes, they have snow. They have everything, so it is a lovely country.”
Saudi players arrive in China ahead of World Cup qualifier
- The Green Falcons face China on Tuesday in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament, following a disappointing draw against Indonesia
DALIAN: The Saudi national team arrived in the Chinese city of Dalian on Friday ahead of their World Cup qualifier there next week.
The Green Falcons will face China on Tuesday night at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, in the second game of the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Saudi squad wasted no time as they immediately began their preparations on Friday evening with a training session overseen by head coach Roberto Mancini. The players who participated in Thursday’s match against Indonesia took part in recovery training, while the rest engaged in general training exercises.
The previous day in Jeddah, Indonesia held the Saudis to a surprise 1-1 draw in the opening game of the third round of qualifiers. It was a case of two points dropped to the lowest-ranked team in Group C, not least because Salem Al-Dawsari had a penalty attempt saved with 11 minutes remaining.
Indonesia might be Asia’s most improved team of late, bolstered by the naturalization of several Europe-based players, but were nonetheless ranked 133 in the world, 77 places below their hosts.
The Saudi squad was greeted on arrival at the airport in Dalian by Jaber Rashid, a representative of the Kingdom’s embassy. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation president, Yasser Al-Misehal, thanked the embassy for the warm welcome and assistance it has provided to the team.
Saudi football players bring joy to patients at top hospital
- Players were taking part in a community outreach initiative ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia, China
RIYADH: Several top Saudi Arabia national football players visited patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Jeddah recently as they look ahead to big matches on Thursday and next Tuesday.
This initiative aligns with the team’s ongoing community outreach programs. They are in training for a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Indonesia on Thursday.
Roberto Mancini’s squad will then travel to China for their second qualifier of the international break, taking place next Tuesday.
Mancini, captain Salem Al-Dawsari and other players presented gifts and flowers to patients to boost their morale, during their visit on Tuesday night.
The 2,500-bed hospital is considered one of the top global centers for heart, liver and bone-marrow transplants.
According to Brand Finance, KFSHRC is ranked first in the Middle East and 20th on the list of the world’s best academic medical institutions. This year, Newsweek magazine ranked it among the top 250 hospitals in the world.
Mancini: ‘Victory the goal’ when Falcons take on Indonesia in World Cup qualifier
- But Italian head coach expecting Southeast Asians to put up stern test in Jeddah
- Forward Fahad Al-Mwalid ‘confident’ team can win on home soil
JEDDAH: Head coach Roberto Mancini is thinking only about victory as Saudi Arabia prepare for their third-round World Cup qualifying match against Indonesia tomorrow night.
But the Italian is expecting some stern opposition from his Southeast Asian opponents when the game kicks off at 9 p.m. at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
“Indonesia is a very difficult team and of course the first game is also difficult,” he told a press conference on Wednesday.
“Indonesia has developed its football and they have so many players playing in Europe and the United States and I think they are ready too. Our goal is clear — to win the match.”
Mancini said he was hoping the crowd would play its part.
“It’s a high-level match. I hope Jeddah’s supporters stand behind us, we really need their support which will have a positive impact on the performance of our players.”
The coach was also asked about Falcons defender Saud Abdulhamid’s recent move to AS Roma, making him the first Saudi Arabian to play in Serie A.
“Abdulhamid spoke with me about six months ago and showed his interest to play in Europe. I was clear with him and told him to go ahead and work on it,” he said.
“Later on, I received a call from Daniele De Rossi, the head coach of AS Roma, and (he) asked me about Abdulhamid. I told him clearly that he is a good player and has the ability and skills to play for any European club.
“I hope to see more players go abroad to experience true professionalism. It’s great to have a group of Saudi players competing in the top European leagues. This certainly strengthens our squad.”
Mancini was also asked what he thought about the rule allowing Saudi teams to recruit up to eight foreign players.
“Attracting numerous top-level players from European leagues is a good idea but not in such a big number,” he said.
“On the other hand, attracting numerous top-level players from the European league definitely will have a positive result because Saudi local players will learn from those players.”
Falcons Forward Fahad Al-Mwalid said he too was looking forward to tomorrow night’s game and felt confident the team could come out on top.
“As the coach said, it is always difficult when you play your first game. We have all the respect for the Indonesian team but we are confident to win while playing at home and in front of our fans.”
Indonesia’s head coach Shin Tae-yong said his players were expecting a tough match but were ready for the challenge.
“We are playing with very strong Asian teams in Group C, including Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia, but will do our best,” he said. “We have to fight with determination to stand strong.”
Indonesia has never reached a World Cup finals and Shin is being realistic about his team’s chances.
“We don’t know what will happen in football,” he said. “The realistic goal is to reach the playoffs by ranking third in the third qualifying round. That’s our goal.”
Defender Jay Idzes said he expected the Indonesian team to “give our best possible performance.”
“We understand that the Saudi league has reached a very advanced level of professionalism and now we see the players playing in Europe. But we are aiming to win.
“This is a match that we know is difficult, but it is football and we will do everything we can to put the Indonesian team on the map.”
Adidas unveils Saudi Arabian Football National Team jerseys
- Home jersey distinguished by vibrant green color, reflecting Kingdom’s heritage, future ambitions
- Away jersey pays homage to Arabian leopard, celebrating Saudi wildlife
JEDDAH: Adidas unveiled on Tuesday the new Saudi Arabian Football National Team home and away jerseys.
The latest kits celebrate Saudi football history while embracing a future filled with innovation, according to a media statement.
The new home jersey is distinguished by its vibrant green color, reflecting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and future ambitions.
Meanwhile, the away jersey pays homage to the Arabian leopard, representing Saudi wildlife.
Celebrating the arrival of the new kit, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal said: “Representing the Saudi Arabian national team is a tremendous source of honor, and the new home and away jerseys are a symbol of the legacy of those that set the path for our players today.
“We are proud to work closely with our partners (at) Adidas to launch our new jerseys, inspired by unique architecture from our nation’s Vision 2030 and the conservation of the Arabian leopard.”
Adidas EMC General Manager Bilal Fares said: “We are proud to be part of the growth of football in the Kingdom and to celebrate the launch of SAFF’s new home and away jerseys. Wearing the national team’s jersey represents more than just sportswear; it is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. The new kits bridge generations, capturing the spirit and colors of the Kingdom.”
Adidas is celebrating the reveal of the new jerseys through its “Yours to Write” campaign, which highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing football while honoring its cultural and natural heritage, including efforts to protect the endangered Arabian leopard.
The campaign film features players from the men’s national team — Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Saleh Al-Shehri, Ali Lajami, and others — alongside stars from different age groups of the women’s national teams, including Bayan Sadagah, AlBandary Mubarak, and Seba Tawfiq.
The film also features the iconic lifelong Saudi Arabian football fan Atti Al-Morki as the voiceover artist. Reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing young talent and inspiring future athletes, the campaign also includes players from the youth national teams, symbolizing the future of Saudi football and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s football legacy for generations to come.
The home and away kits, as on pitch and fan versions, are available starting Sep. 1, 2024, on adidas.com and at select Adidas retailers.
