Al Khaleej never considered Jose Gomes departure, says chairman

Al Khaleej chairman Ahmed Khreida says the Saudi Pro League club never considered dismissing manager Jose Gomes, despite their slow start to the season.

Gomes took charge at the beginning of the current campaign, replacing Georgios Donis. Al Khaleej failed to win any of their opening league matches but have since recorded two victories in a row.

“We never considered Jose Gomes leaving at all,” Khreida told MBC Masr 2. “The team underwent changes to its foreign players, with five players being replaced. That required time to adapt to the new approach and style, which is why the team did not win in the early rounds.

“However, we achieved two successive victories after the coaching staff had been given enough time.”

Khreida also said Al Khaleej would welcome the chance to sign Egyptian players, praising their performances on the international stage.

“We fully understand the value of the Egyptian player, and we saw what they offered at the World Cup,” he said. “We previously had Mohamed Sherif, and of course we would welcome signing any player who could provide a technical addition to the team.”

He added that Egypt international Trezeguet had been discussed as a possible signing after the World Cup, but that a move did not materialise.

“Trezeguet’s name was put forward for a move to Al Khaleej after the World Cup, and we presented the matter to Gomes, who did not reject signing him,” Khreida said. “However, he had specific requests and other options.”

Trezeguet joined Al Riyadh after the end of the World Cup, moving from Al Ahly.

Al Khaleej face Al Ahli Jeddah on Thursday evening in the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League. They returned to winning ways by beating Al Fayha 2-0 before defeating Al Fateh 3-2.

The club are 10th in the Saudi Pro League table with 12 points, while Al Ahli Jeddah are fourth with 18 points.