Al-Nassr legend Hreifi condemns ‘chaos and complacency’ despite Abha win

Fahad Al-Hreifi has criticised Al-Nassr’s players despite their 2-1 victory over Abha, saying the performance exposed serious concerns over the team’s spirit, intensity and approach to the game.

Al-Nassr secured all three points in Wednesday’s match in the sixth round of the Roshn Saudi League. However, the result did little to prevent widespread criticism of the team’s display, with former Al-Nassr midfielder Al-Hreifi particularly unhappy with the lack of aggression shown on the pitch.

Speaking on the television programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Hreifi said: “Al-Nassr lacked the intensity and the uplift in spirit that existed under the previous coach, Jorge Jesus. But yesterday, with Ange, there was chaos, recklessness and complacency from some players against a team between whom and Al-Nassr there are major differences.”

He also questioned the technical staff’s starting line-up and tactical plan, arguing that the formation was not suited to the way Abha defended.

“Even the line-up was not appropriate. They played 4-4-2 against a team sitting deep,” he said. “Angelo, for example, has ability and fitness and should have been given enough space to move forward against the opposition.”

Al-Hreifi said the system failed to provide an effective solution against Abha’s defensive organisation, while also directing further criticism at the players for failing to show sufficient desire.

“There is no spirit or passion among the players,” he added. “This is the first match in which Abha created chances, and that shows the recklessness in the Al-Nassr team.”

In his view, allowing Abha to create a significant number of opportunities was a worrying sign given the difference in resources and quality between the two sides.

Al-Hreifi also rejected the idea that Al-Nassr’s status as last season’s league champions should soften the criticism of their current performances.

“And no-one should say that this team were the league champions last season,” he said, before also blaming Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus for the goal Al-Nassr conceded.

Although Al-Nassr completed the match with three points, Al-Hreifi said the club must quickly reorganise and address the problems he identified. He warned that continuing to show what he described as chaos, recklessness and a lack of passion could prove costly when the team faces stronger opponents in the coming rounds.