Giorgos Donis has guided Saudi Arabia to the Gulf Cup 27 final, but his tendency to make bold changes after successful performances is raising concern among supporters ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia defeated Qatar on penalties in the semi-final after the match finished 0-0 following extra time. The result continued a notable revival under the Greek coach, who took charge around two months before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Donis has reshaped the national team’s approach, placing greater emphasis on controlling matches and attacking opponents in different ways. That represents a significant change from the style associated with his predecessor, France manager Herve Renard, whose more defensive approach often allowed opposing teams to keep possession.
The impact of Donis’ work has been particularly clear at Gulf Cup 27. Saudi Arabia dominated Kuwait, Oman and Iraq before producing another strong display against Qatar, despite failing to score in the semi-final.
The contrast is striking because Saudi Arabia had struggled against the same opponents only a few months earlier under Renard. For Donis, that suggests his efforts to establish a new identity have produced tangible results.
The Guardiola influence
The main question surrounding Donis is how he manages success once he has found a formula that works. Rather than consistently preserving an effective structure, he has often made significant individual and tactical changes.
That trait is associated with legendary Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, who has also experienced difficulties as a result of regularly altering successful systems.
The issue became apparent at the 2026 World Cup. Against Uruguay in the opening group match, Saudi Arabia started strongly, scored first and looked the better side. Donis then instructed his team to retreat after half-time, allowing Uruguay to create a succession of chances. Saudi Arabia avoided defeat largely because of goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, with the match ending 1-1.
In the second game, Donis abandoned the system the squad had trained in throughout the preparations for the tournament and selected five defenders instead of four. Saudi Arabia lost 4-0 in a one-sided match.
Final raises fresh concerns
Donis has also rotated his team throughout this Gulf Cup, citing the need to rest players during a schedule involving a match every three days. That reasoning is understandable, but his most unexpected decision came against Qatar.
Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, who had started the previous three matches either as a full-back or winger, was left out. Donis also did not select Nawaf Boushal, who had started two of Saudi Arabia’s three group games. Instead, Mohammed Mahzari made his debut for the national team.
Mahzari may not have been responsible for the draw or the failure to score, but his selection underlined the risk of sudden changes that can surprise Donis’ own players as much as their opponents.
Saudi Arabia’s supporters fear that approach could be repeated in Tuesday’s final against the United Arab Emirates, where they believe there is little room for experimentation.
Saudi Arabia are seeking their first trophy in 23 years. Their last Gulf Cup triumph came in 2003, and they have since lost five finals.
