Dollack urges Al Riyadh players to defend and move as one after Al Taawoun win

Mauricio Dollack praised the collective effort that helped Al Riyadh beat Al Taawoun 2-1, insisting every player must contribute defensively and move together as a unit.

Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” played a part in Al Riyadh’s victory in the closing fixture of round 11 of the Saudi League. Teddy Okou and Bernard Mensah scored for the home side, while Nedim Bajrami pulled one goal back for Al Taawoun.

The result moved Al Riyadh up to 12 points and 11th place in the table. Al Taawoun remain on four points in 17th position, second from bottom.

Dollack said the win reflected the progress made by his team during recent weeks, despite previous performances failing to produce results.

“I took charge of the team last season after 19 rounds, when it had 12 points. Today, we have reached the same total after only ten rounds,” the Brazilian coach said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

He added: “The match was a continuation of the work we have done during the recent period. We performed well in the previous matches, but luck was not on our side. Today, we played at the same level and earned three points, so thanks to the players for what they delivered.”

Al Riyadh’s approach has included extensive work on the offside trap, while Dollack also highlighted the team’s increasing control of possession and ability to create chances.

“We train a lot on the offside trap. In our recent matches, our possession has been close to 60 per cent, and we have created many opportunities and taken plenty of shots,” he said.

Dollack stressed that the demands of the modern game extend to the whole team rather than only to defenders.

“All players must defend and move as one unit on the pitch. That is modern football,” he said.

The coach also said Al Riyadh would continue seeking improvement while maintaining a style he described as distinct.

“Our style of play is different and we are always looking for the best. Naturally, the important thing in football is to get the three points,” Dollack concluded.