Brendan Rodgers angry after Al Qadsiah surrender top spot in 3-3 Eastern derby

Brendan Rodgers criticised Al Qadsiah’s defensive performance after his side drew 3-3 with Al Ettifaq in a dramatic Roshn Saudi League derby on Friday.

The result saw Al Qadsiah drop the chance to move clear at the top of the table. They are second on 16 points, one behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who have 17.

Rodgers said his team had effectively handed Al Ettifaq two valuable points after failing to maintain their intensity following a strong start.

“We scored two goals, and then we became complacent and made mistakes that helped them get back into the game,” the Northern Irishman told reporters at his post-match news conference.

“We are sad to have dropped two points.”

Al Qadsiah appeared to lose their defensive organisation at crucial moments as Al Ettifaq fought their way back into the contest.

Rodgers said the visitors had taken advantage of the situation after committing more players to attack.

“The team did not defend in the way it needed to,” he said. “In football, when you are behind in the score there is nothing to lose, and that is what Al Ettifaq did.

“They played with all their attacking options and took advantage of our mistakes.”

The manager was also asked whether the demanding schedule had affected his players. Rodgers rejected the suggestion that a lack of effort had been responsible, pointing instead to the physical demands of recent high-profile matches.

“We have played big games, particularly against Al Ahli, and those matches required a great physical effort,” he said. “The players gave everything they had.”

Despite his frustration at the result, Rodgers highlighted the potential within Al Qadsiah’s young squad. He said difficult matches such as Friday’s derby would help his players develop the experience needed to manage pressure late in games.

“We have a young average age, and these intense and crazy matches help them gain more experience and learn how to deal with the pressure in the final minutes,” he said.

Rodgers, who previously managed Liverpool and Celtic, said the team could still improve significantly as the campaign progresses.

“There is still a long time to go,” he added. “As the season continues, we will improve, learn from these mistakes and make sure they do not happen again.”

The draw leaves Al Qadsiah in second place and prevents them from taking sole possession of first position in the Roshn Saudi League.