Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis says speculation about his future is unfair and damaging the team’s dressing room, despite insisting the reports do not affect him personally.
The Greek coach was speaking after Saudi Arabia beat South Korea 3-2 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Friday, in their first friendly during the current international break.
The victory was Saudi Arabia’s first against South Korea for 21 years. Their previous successes came in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, when they won both legs 2-0 and 1-0 in 2005.
Since then, the two countries had played six times without a Saudi victory. South Korea won two of those matches and four ended in draws before Saudi Arabia’s success in Doha.
“I decided to select 30 players to prepare for the Asian Cup and to give everyone the opportunity to show their abilities,” Donis said at his post-match news conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.
“I was pleased with what I saw from them. They showed great fighting spirit, whether they played for 10 minutes or the entire match.”
Donis felt Saudi Arabia had performed strongly for most of the contest, although the team came under pressure late on.
“Our performance was excellent for 75 minutes,” he said. “We had difficulties at the end, but we pressed as much as possible and produced a confident performance.”
He added: “The real beginning is always in the dressing room, by giving the players complete confidence, maintaining a high level of concentration and improving communication between everyone.
“All the players followed the required tactical instructions and showed great respect for the opposition.”
Donis rejects speculation over his position
Addressing reports about his future, Donis said he felt closely connected to the country after working there, including at club level.
“You know that I am a straightforward person and that I communicate many messages,” he said. “I feel that I am part of Saudi Arabia. I am not just an ordinary coach, even when I was managing clubs here.”
Donis said the postponement of the Asian Cup had created uncertainty over the length of his agreement.
“After the Asian Cup was postponed, I told my technical staff that our contract would end before the tournament’s new date,” he said. “Then some people began mentioning the names of major coaches. These rumours are completely unhelpful.”
He also recalled hearing claims that he would be dismissed after the Gulf Cup.
“Even after I returned from Jeddah, a Greek friend in NEOM told me about reports that I would be sacked after the Gulf Cup,” Donis said. “Yet here I am, continuing with the national team.”
“The rumours do not affect me personally, but they harm the dressing room. Those around us understand the scale of our work, and what is being said is unfair to us.”
Donis said he had already prepared a plan for the next phase, including meetings with clubs and a focus on developing players under 23.
“Saudi football has a new generation that needs a clear long-term strategy,” he said. “Even if I am not the head coach leading this team, I will always remain the Green Falcons’ biggest supporter.”
He said his technical programme runs until the March break, when Saudi Arabia will play friendlies, before preparations begin for their participation in CONCACAF.
