Al Ettifaq v Al Nassr: Papas highlights set pieces as key weapon

Arthur Papas says Al Ettifaq must approach Tuesday’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al Nassr with greater courage as both sides look to maintain their perfect starts to the season.

The two teams have each collected six points from their opening two matches, setting up an early contest between unbeaten sides in the third round of the competition.

Al Ettifaq manager Papas confirmed his players are ready for the challenge, despite having limited time to prepare after their previous fixture.

“The players are keen to put in a good performance and claim all three points,” Papas said at his pre-match news conference.

He added that the squad had moved quickly into recovery work following the last match, leaving little opportunity for an extended build-up to the meeting with Al Nassr.

Papas will also face a familiar figure in the opposition dugout. The Australian previously worked as an assistant to Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, but he insists that past connections will have no influence once the game begins.

“I had the honour of working with Ange in the past, but once the whistle goes, the focus will be on the match and what we want to achieve on the pitch,” Papas said.

He described the fixture as a particularly important test for Al Ettifaq and called on his players to produce the level of performance expected of them.

“The match is very important for us, and we will work to perform well in it and deliver the required level,” he added.

The Al Ettifaq boss acknowledged the threat posed by Al Nassr, especially in attack. He also pointed to the reigning champions’ ability to control possession as a major reason for their defensive strength.

“Al Nassr are very strong offensively, and their control of the ball on the pitch helps them to keep clean sheets. They are the champions of the league from last season,” Papas said.

Despite that assessment, Papas wants Al Ettifaq to take the initiative rather than allowing their opponents to dictate the contest. He believes his side has several ways of causing problems, including from dead-ball situations.

“We have to enter the match with greater courage, play our way and reach their goal. We have many solutions, including set pieces,” he said.

Papas also dismissed the relevance of Al Ettifaq’s results against Al Nassr in previous seasons. In his view, the circumstances have changed and his players must concentrate on the current campaign rather than past meetings.

The Australian concluded by promising supporters that the team would commit fully to the challenge and continue fighting for victories throughout the season.

“I promise the fans that we will give our best, enter every match with our full strength, and work to claim all three points, win and make them happy,” he said.