AL KHUBAR: Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal will face off on Monday in the 17th round of the Saudi Roshn League in what Al-Qadsiah’s Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez described as a “difficult” match on Saturday.
Addressing a news conference ahead of the match that takes place at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, Gonzalez said: “I’m old enough that there’s nothing I fear anymore. I’ve lived my whole life without fear, but I respect everyone.
“My lack of fear doesn’t mean I don’t respect the opponent. We are here to compete with the other teams. However, the only thing I fear is when my wife looks at me.”
From the Spaniard’s perspective, in sports, “fear has no impact.”
“We’ve played 19 matches in the league and the cup without fear, and we will continue in the same way. That’s our goal. However, we greatly respect the opponent, and we approach the match with significance but without any fear,” he told the conference.
The Spanish coach stressed that they will play a match against the champion, “Al-Hilal, a team known and distinguished by its players and coach.”
“Our opponent possesses both individual and collective abilities that enable them to play at the highest levels in any league in the world,” Gonzalez said.
Currently, Al-Qadsiah are in their best form, and they will deliver a great performance in Monday’s match that allows them to secure the three points, the coach said.
He emphasized that Al-Qadsiah play as a team and respects all opponents, emphasizing: “Al-Hilal are an offensive team with a high-scoring record. However, we have excellent defensive players. Statistically, we are also distinguished defensively, while Al-Hilal excel offensively.
“We are aware that our opponent will miss their Serbian striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scores even with half-chances. Personally, I wished all players on both teams were fully ready and without absences.”
The Brazilian substitute, Marcos Leonardo, according to Gonzalez, is a remarkable striker with great abilities, and his scoring record speaks for itself.
