Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez, the technical director of Al-Qadsiah team, emphasized the importance of facing Al-Hilal in the second round of the Saudi Roshn League, considering it a real test of his players’ abilities this season.
Michel Gonzalez confirmed that Al-Qadsiah seeks to show a strong personality and continue the journey of development after the outstanding performance they delivered last season, while also indicating his desire not to risk the new Portuguese arrival Otavio.
Gonzalez said in the pre-match press conference: “We need to prove to everyone that we are a special team. What we achieved last season was a first step, and the challenge now is to raise the ceiling of ambitions and achieve bigger results.”
The Spanish coach talked about the status of the Portuguese Otavio, indicating that the player has not yet reached full readiness, and said: “We won’t risk playing him against Al-Hilal, his safety is more important to us, and we want him to be ready for the upcoming matches.”
Gonzalez praised the high level that Al-Hilal is presenting, explaining that facing them represents a strong motivation for his team: “Al-Hilal is a big team that honored Saudi football in the Club World Cup, and we want to be up to the challenge and deliver a match worthy of Al-Qadsiah.”
It’s worth noting that Al-Qadsiah opened their campaign in the Roshn League this season 2025-2026 with a victory over Al-Najma (3-1), while Al-Hilal defeated Al-Riyadh (2-0).