Jorge Jesus: Al Hilal Dominated Despite King’s Cup Exit
Jorge Jesus defends his players after Al Hilal’s penalty shootout loss to Al Ittihad, emphasizing his team’s superior performance throughout the match.
Jorge Jesus, the Portuguese coach of Al Hilal, praised his team’s performance despite their elimination in the quarterfinals of the Saudi King’s Cup against Al Ittihad. The match, held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, with Al Ittihad advancing via a 3-1 penalty shootout win.
Post-Match Comments
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Jesus stated, "This was a clash between two of Saudi Arabia’s best teams, both in terms of quality and tactical ability. In my opinion, we were the better side on the pitch." He highlighted Al Hilal’s missed opportunities and their overall dominance during regular play.
Key Performances
Jesus also singled out winger Salem Al-Dawsari, who played despite carrying an injury. "Salem’s condition affected our effectiveness in the latter stages, but his determination to stay on the field is commendable," Jesus remarked.
Defending Ali Al-Bulaihi
When questioned about defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, who faced criticism for his performance, Jesus defended his player. "Ali was crucial in our last official match and played a key role in that victory. I see no reason to doubt his abilities based on one game," Jesus stated, adding that Al-Bulaihi was not at fault for either of the goals conceded.
Focusing on the Positives
Despite the defeat, Jesus emphasized the achievements of Al Hilal in recent seasons, noting, "This is a team that has won four trophies in the past year and a half. Tonight’s loss does not change our belief in the squad’s potential."
Looking Ahead
Al Hilal will now shift their focus to the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League. Jesus expressed confidence in his players, stating, "We will learn from this experience and come back stronger."
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