Christophe Galtié, the coach of Neom, expressed his deep dissatisfaction with his players' performance before facing Al-Shabab on Monday in the Saudi Pro League. During a press conference, Galtié blamed his players for the declining results and the ongoing loss of points in the tournament.
Galtié noted that there is a mental crisis within the team, asserting that the eighth place does not align with his aspirations, and he does not feel there is a "real reaction" from the players regarding the repeated setbacks. He also confirmed that facing Al-Shabab will not be easy, given the similar circumstances both teams are experiencing in terms of negative results.
Match Details and Team Performance
Galtié clarified that Al-Shabab had a distinguished performance against Al-Nassr despite their setbacks, but he preferred to shift his focus to his team, emphasizing the importance of discussing Neom more than the opponent. Although he acknowledged the improvement in offensive performance in the last two matches, he pointed out that the major issue lies in losing victories during the final minutes, as his team has drawn in 8 matches this season, which is an unacceptable figure for a team aiming to advance in the standings.
Galtié stated, "I came to win only, not for losses or draws," referring to the weak offensive effectiveness, where the team creates many chances but fails to capitalize on them effectively. He cited the matches against Al-Fateh and Al-Hazem, where players squandered numerous opportunities despite frequent approaches to the goal.
Background & Context
These statements are part of Galtié's attempts to motivate his players and improve their performance, especially amid the challenges the team faces in the league. The team has conceded 11 goals in the last quarter of matches, reflecting a lack of focus and ambition among the players. He also noted that the team lost 7 points in the first round despite leading in the score.
In reference to the sense of satisfaction some players feel after occupying eighth place, Galtié confirmed that this position does not befit the club's ambitions, and complacency began to show after the victory over Al-Ittihad, leading to a decline in performance against Al-Najma, Al-Fateh, and Al-Hazem.
Impact & Consequences
The current phase requires Neom to improve its performance and results, especially with the league nearing its end. Galtié emphasized that the team needs a greater competitive mentality to achieve success in upcoming tournaments, including the anticipated global participation. He stressed the necessity of winning the remaining three matches in the league to secure full points.
In response to a question about his technical responsibility, Galtié admitted that he did not have a complete picture of the Saudi league or his team's capabilities at the beginning of the season, but he reiterated his criticism of the players, indicating that the level of ambition within the group is "unfortunately low."
Regional Significance
These statements reflect the challenges facing clubs in the Saudi league, where coaches and players strive to achieve positive results amid fierce competition. The success of Saudi clubs in local and international tournaments reflects the development of football in the region and enhances its status on the global sports stage.
In conclusion, Galtié urged his players to forget the holiday and focus entirely on the upcoming matches, affirming that the only thought remaining for him is to win, and win only.