Fatih Terim: Facing Al-Ittihad Is Never Easy
Fatih Terim, Al-Shabab coach, emphasizes the challenge of playing against a strong Al-Ittihad side ahead of their crucial league clash.
Fatih Terim, the head coach of Al-Shabab, has highlighted the difficulty of facing Al-Ittihad ahead of their pivotal clash in the Saudi Pro League. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Terim acknowledged the strength of their opponents, calling them a "dangerous and formidable team."
"Facing Al-Ittihad is never easy," Terim stated. "They have exceptional players and a well-structured team. We respect their quality, but we are here to compete and win. We also have a strong squad and the determination to achieve a positive result."
The veteran coach analyzed Al-Ittihad’s recent performance against Al-Hilal in the King's Cup, emphasizing their tactical versatility. "Al-Ittihad has multiple solutions on the pitch. Playing against them, especially at their home ground with their passionate fans, will be a significant challenge. But we are ready for it," he added.
Terim also expressed his hopes for more Turkish players joining the Saudi Pro League in the future. "There are many talented players in European leagues. I hope to see some of them here one day, contributing to the growing reputation of this league," he said.
In a blow to Al-Shabab, Terim confirmed that young talent Musab Al-Juwair will miss the game due to injury. However, the coach remained optimistic, saying, "While we’ll miss him, I have full confidence in the rest of the squad to step up and deliver."
Regarding Daniel Podence, one of Al-Shabab’s key players, Terim remarked, "He is an outstanding player who can perform in multiple roles. His high work rate and adaptability make him a crucial asset to our team."
Currently, Al-Shabab sits sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings with 26 points, while Al-Ittihad is in second place with 40 points, trailing leaders Al-Hilal only on goal difference. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for both teams.