Faisal Al-Jafan urges Saudi FA to retain Donis, warns against repeating Van Marwijk scenario

Saudi sports journalist Faisal Al-Jafan has warned against repeating the Saudi national team's experience with Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk, urging officials to retain Giorgos Donis as head coach following his recent successes with the Green Falcons and the renewed confidence among players and fans.

Speaking on the "Malaeb" program on Al Arabiya FM, Al-Jafan said the current situation is reminiscent of 2017, when the Saudi team was in crisis before Van Marwijk took charge, restored confidence in the stands and the sports community, and led the team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with impressive performances.

He noted that the decision not to renew Van Marwijk's contract after World Cup qualification led to calls for his continuation, as he had come to understand the players and restored public trust. However, the federation opted to change coaches, appointing Edgardo Bauza and later Juan Antonio Pizzi, which, according to Al-Jafan, returned the team to its pre-Van Marwijk state.

Al-Jafan believes a similar scenario is unfolding with Donis, saying there is talk of not allowing him to complete his contract, coinciding with the signing of a Spanish coach ahead of the Gulf Cup to lead the Saudi team in the Asian Cup.

He addressed officials directly, saying: "If the Spanish coach Martinez has indeed been signed, it is possible to pay the release clause and keep Donis."

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Al-Jafan expressed his satisfaction with Donis, noting that both fans and players are also pleased with him, and that the national team has shown a spirit "not seen since Van Marwijk's days," following the team's return to the winners' podium.