Donis says Saudi Arabia departure rumours are unfair after South Korea win

Georgios Donis says speculation over his future as Saudi Arabia manager is damaging the team, despite insisting that he is not personally affected by the rumours.

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 result was Saudi Arabia’s first victory over South Korea for 21 years. Their previous wins came in 2005, when they defeated them 2-0 and 1-0 in the two legs of their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

South Korea had since gone unbeaten in six meetings, winning twice and drawing four times, before Saudi Arabia ended that run.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Donis said he had selected a 30-player squad to prepare for the Asian Cup and give everyone an opportunity to prove themselves.

“I decided to choose 30 players to prepare for the Asian Cup and to give all the players the chance to show their abilities,” he said. “I was pleased with what I saw from them. They showed great fighting spirit, whether they played for 10 minutes or the full match.”

Donis said Saudi Arabia had performed strongly for most of the game, although they faced difficulties late on.

“The performance was excellent for 75 minutes,” he added. “We had some difficulty at the end of the match, but we pressed as much as possible and produced a confident display.”

He also underlined the importance of team unity and discipline.

“The real beginning is always in the dressing room, by giving the players complete confidence, maintaining a high level of concentration and ensuring communication between everyone,” Donis said.

“All the players followed the tactical instructions required of them, while showing great respect for the opposition.”

Donis addresses future

Donis said reports about his position had been circulating since the postponement of the Asian Cup, when he told his coaching staff that their contract would expire before the tournament’s new date.

“Then some people began mentioning the names of major coaches, and those rumours are completely unhelpful,” he said.

He added that a Greek friend in NEOM had told him, after he returned from Jeddah, that reports were claiming he would be dismissed after the Gulf Cup.

“And here I am today, still with the national team,” Donis said.

“I am not personally affected by the rumours, but they harm the dressing room. The people around us understand the scale of our work, and what is being said is unfair to us.”

Looking ahead, Donis said he had already prepared a plan leading up to CONCACAF, including meetings with clubs and a focus on developing players aged 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 of this national team, I will always remain the Green Falcons’ biggest supporter.”

He said his technical programme covered the period until the next March break, when Saudi Arabia would play friendlies, before beginning preparations for participation in CONCACAF.