Sports analyst claims Saudi FA signed Martinez as national team coach

Sports analyst Saeed Al-Hilali has called for Greek coach Giorgos Donis to remain in charge of the Saudi national football team, warning that ongoing rumors about his future could undermine players' confidence and enthusiasm, despite the improvements seen under his leadership. Al-Hilali emphasized that Donis has successfully introduced players whose abilities were previously doubted.

Speaking on the "Malaeb" program with Faisal Al-Jafn on Al Arabiya FM, Al-Hilali said repeated speculation about Donis's future has persisted, fueling rumors and potentially creating a rift between the coach and the players, especially as the squad is aware of possible changes to the technical staff.

He added that talk of Donis's contract ending in June, along with reports suggesting he will not lead the team at the rescheduled AFC Asian Cup in December 2027, could affect the team's stability, particularly since there are no major tournaments before then to properly assess his tenure.

Discussing candidates for the Saudi national team coaching role, Al-Hilali stated that the Saudi Football Federation has already signed a contract with coach Roberto Martinez to lead the team, and that this agreement has been in place for some time.

Although Al-Hilali was not a supporter of Donis during his recent stint with Al-Khaleej, he now strongly backs his continued leadership of the Saudi team, citing the tactical discipline, commitment, and spirit that have emerged, as well as the rise of standout players.

He noted that several players previously criticized for their performance are now excelling under Donis, who has succeeded in selecting and highlighting talents that have drawn attention. Al-Hilali believes the coach sees potential in some players that was not previously apparent.

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Al-Hilali stressed the importance of evaluating Donis's tenure based on the team's development, performance, and playing style, rather than the result of a single friendly match. He highlighted the significance of monitoring the team's changes, especially after facing strong opponents such as Uzbekistan.

He said Donis is currently enjoying a successful period with the national team and is doing a good job, adding that harmony between the coach and the squad is key to success. Al-Hilali cited the example of Roberto Mancini, who left Italy's national team after receiving an attractive offer from Saudi Arabia.