Gomes targets first Saudi Pro League win as Al Khaleej prepare to face Al Fayha

Al Khaleej manager Jose Gomes says his side are determined to secure their first Saudi Pro League victory when they meet Al Fayha on Thursday.

The two teams will face each other in the ninth round of the competition, with Al Khaleej currently 14th in the table on six points and Al Fayha 16th on three.

Gomes believes his players are adapting to his methods and expects their performances to improve.

“I think the players have adapted to the style of play, and step by step the level will get better,” the Portuguese manager said at his pre-match news conference.

“The players understand their responsibility and want to achieve the team’s first win. We could have beaten Al Ettifaq in the previous match because we created many chances.”

Al Khaleej drew 1-1 with Al Ettifaq in their last league fixture, having been held in six of their eight matches since Gomes took charge and losing the other two.

Gomes also praised the team’s defensive display in their defeat by Al Nassr, saying progress would come with time.

“Against Al Nassr, we defended very well, and with time we will achieve the required objective in the matches,” he added.

The meeting with Al Fayha offers Al Khaleej another opportunity to claim their first league victory under Gomes, while their opponents will be looking to move away from the bottom end of the table.