Odair Hellmann’s debut into the Saudi League was nothing short of perfect. As the freshly appointed manager of Al Riyadh, he orchestrated a remarkable victory over Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, prevailing with a 1-0 score on a Sunday night.
The defining moment of the match unfolded when Al Riyadh’s right-back, Khalid Al Shuwayyi, executed a powerful, angled shot into the far corner, setting the stage for a sensational 18th-minute goal.
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Hellmann couldn’t contain his elation as he witnessed his team’s remarkable display, which not only stifled Al Ettifaq, captained by Jordan Henderson but also ensured that the coveted three points remained within Riyadh’s grasp. He commended his squad’s unwavering structure, resilience, and overall attitude. In his words,
“Everyone in the group feels good after that win. It’s an important victory. Al Ettifaq are a good team with a good coach, and they have had big investment. They are in a good position in the table, and we went into the match with some selection problems because we had players out. The group have been working hard and played very well.”
This inaugural victory catapulted Al Riyadh to the 11th position in the 18-team Roshn Saudi League. But to Hellmann, it was a catalyst for his club’s future endeavors, igniting a spark of hope within the team.
🎬 The story of Our win 🤩 pic.twitter.com/pSXRbZ4gGi
— Al-Riyadh Saudi Club (@AlRiyadhFC_EN) October 22, 2023
Hellmann, who previously managed the legendary Pele’s former club, Santos, in Brazil, acknowledged the significance of the win and the challenges they faced while stating the next steps for Al Riyadh.
“We now need to improve step by step. This is the start of the league for me. One victory is important, and we congratulate the players because the players concentrated all the time to make sure we won the game. There was a lot of belief. What’s important for us is three points – it’s three points more in the table and now we go to the next game and play as if it is a final”
In his eyes, every match in the league is akin to a final, and their objectives would be pursued with unwavering determination.
Gerrard, however, recognized the opposition’s strategy. He candidly admitted that his team’s errors and missed opportunities handed Al Riyadh the victory. They failed to meet the performance standards they had set for themselves.
Hellmann, a 46-year-old native of Salete, Brazil, now gears up for his next competitive encounter. His Al Riyadh side is slated to face 16th-placed Al Tai in the Saudi League, a contest set for Friday, October 27.
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