Brendan Rodgers insisted Al Qadsiah have sent a clear message to Al Hilal despite suffering a 3-2 defeat in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal secured victory in Friday’s match at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, a result that moved them to the top of the table after 11 rounds. But Al Qadsiah manager Rodgers was keen to highlight his side’s performance and their ambition to compete with the league’s leading teams.
“We played a very good match and matched Al Hilal,” the Irishman said at his post-match news conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.
Rodgers acknowledged that Al Qadsiah were not at full strength, but praised the effort of his players.
“We were missing some players, but I am proud of what the players gave. The message has been delivered that Al Qadsiah will compete with Al Hilal until the end of the season,” he said.
Asked to explain the significance of that message, Rodgers pointed to the club’s rapid progress.
“Two seasons ago, Al Qadsiah were in the First Division and today they are competing strongly. We are playing against an experienced team, and that is why I said it. I did not mean anything else,” he added.
Rodgers also said he had no complaints about his players’ commitment after the match.
“I told them after the game that they had not fallen short. They gave everything they had, and even worked twice as hard. For that reason, I had to congratulate them because they did not fail in anything,” he said.
The Al Qadsiah manager refused to use the circumstances surrounding the match as an excuse, although he noted that Al Hilal had enjoyed a relatively longer period of rest.
“I do not like making excuses, but Al Hilal’s players had a relatively longer rest period. I congratulate Al Hilal on the victory; they deserved it,” said Rodgers.
“They have great players, as does my team. It was a big game, with all the physical pressure and the absences we also had in our squad.”
The result left Al Hilal with 27 points at the summit, two points clear of Al Qadsiah. Rodgers’ side dropped to third place on goal difference behind Al Nassr, despite having played one more match.
Rodgers ended by praising the Saudi players in his squad and expressing his optimism about the country’s future generation.
“I am proud of having Saudi names in the team, and they are a pillar of the side. The Saudi player is developing and excelling,” he said.
“I have several players, including Musab Al-Juwayr, Jihad Zakri, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat and Al-Qahtani, among others. I am optimistic about having a wonderful Saudi generation at the 2034 World Cup.”
