Saudi Arabia‘s Gulf Cup Roster Sparks debate
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The Saudi national football team’s lineup for the 2024 Arabian Gulf Cup has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and media alike. Coach Hervé Renard‘s player selections, announced ahead of the tournament kicking off in Kuwait on december 21st, have drawn sharp criticism.
The team is currently in a training camp in Riyadh before their departure for Kuwait. The tournament runs until January 3rd. One prominent voice of dissent is journalist Ibrahim Al-anqari, who leveled strong criticism against Renard’s approach.
Al-Anqari, appearing on the popular sports program “action with Walid,” warned against underestimating the tournament’s intensity. He argued that Renard’s choices seem to rely too heavily on past performance, potentially jeopardizing the team’s chances.
“Renard’s choices are very strange. Many of them need to be considered. Such as, his choice of 3 right-backs and only one left-back, which is not good at the moment. Yasser Al-Shahrani is an excellent ancient player, but since the injury he is far from his level. His choice Evidence that he relies on memory in his choices.He chose players who shone in the 2022 World cup but are not at the same level as they are currently. This applies to Muhammad Kanno as well, alongside Al-Shahrani.”
Al-Anqari’s critique extended beyond the tactical imbalance, highlighting the omission of several notable players.He pointed out the absence of players like Mutaib Al-Harbi, Sultan Mandash, and Turki Al-Ammar, suggesting their exclusion was a significant oversight.
“There are distinguished players that he did not choose, such as Mutaib Al-Harbi, Sultan Mandash, and turki Al-Ammar. Also, his reliance on young players carries a lot of risk, as the Gulf Championship is more arduous than the Asian Cup and the competition in it is indeed very high. al-Akhdar used to win the continental championship and reach the final during the eighties and nineties.” He cannot win the Gulf Cup because it is a very difficult and very competitive tournament.”
The Saudi team has been drawn into Group B alongside Bahrain, Yemen, and Iraq. The intense competition within the group adds further weight to Al-Anqari’s concerns about the team’s preparedness.
the controversy surrounding Renard’s selections underscores the high stakes of the Arabian Gulf Cup and the intense scrutiny placed upon the Saudi national team’s performance. The upcoming matches will be a crucial test of Renard’s strategy and the team’s ability to overcome the challenges ahead.
Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Cup Roster: Questioning Renard’s Tactics
Ahead of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, saudi Arabia’s lineup has sparked heated discussion among football fans and pundits. While anticipation is high for the tournament kicking off in Kuwait on December 21st, Coach Hervé Renard’s selection choices have drawn criticism for leaning heavily on past performance and favoring older players. We talked too Mohammed Al-Harbi, a seasoned football analyst and former professional player, to get his perspective on the controversy.
Reliance on Past Glory
Senior Editor: Mohammed, there’s been a lot of debate surrounding Coach Renard’s squad selection for the Gulf Cup. Critics, like journalist Ibrahim al-Anqari, argue that he’s over-reliant on players from the 2022 World Cup squad even though some may no longer be in peak form. What are your thoughts on this strategy?
Mohammed Al-Harbi: It’s true that Renard’s selection does include a critically important number of players who shone in the World Cup. While experience is crucial, football is a dynamic sport, and relying too heavily on past achievements can be risky.
Players go through phases, and their form fluctuates.
It’s important to have a balance of experience and fresh talent. Some of thes World Cup veterans might not be at the same level they were just a year ago.
The Missing Names and Tactical Concerns
Senior Editor: Al-Anqari specifically mentions the absences of players like Mutaib Al-Harbi, sultan Mandash, and Turki Al-Ammar. These are players who’ve been performing well recently. Their exclusion raises eyebrows. What impact might their absence have on the team’s performance?
mohammed Al-Harbi: It’s definitely a head-scratcher. These are talented individuals who could have brought a fresh dynamic to the squad. They’ve been in good form, and their absence certainly weakens certain areas of the team.
Furthermore, the 3-to-1 right-back to left-back ratio seems tactically unbalanced. Al-Shahrani, despite his past brilliance, hasn’t fully recovered from his injury. This imbalance could create problems with defensive solidity, something vital in a tournament as competitive as the Gulf cup.
The Gulf Cup Challenge
Senior Editor: The Gulf cup is known for its intensity and unpredictability.
Do you think Renard’s selections, even with their potential weaknesses, can steer Saudi Arabia to success in this tournament?
Mohammed Al-Harbi: While I have reservations about certain aspects of the squad selection, it’s important to remember that Saudi Arabia has a strong footballing tradition. They’ve won the Gulf Cup multiple times in the past. This tournament is unpredictable,and anything can happen.
Though, to truly contend for the title, the team needs to be at its sharpest. Renard needs to find the right balance between experience and fresh talent. He needs to ensure that his tactical choices are adapted to the strengths and weaknesses of his chosen squad.
Let’s hope Renard can unlock the potential of this squad and guide them to victory. The Gulf Cup is a fantastic platform for Saudi to showcase its footballing prowess. The pressure is on, but they have the talent to succeed.
