“In Saudi Arabia you can already find talent and quality but the mentality is reduced” – Portuguese coach on how Cristiano Ronaldo can change SPL
Portuguese coach Filipe Gouveia recently spoke about the impact Cristiano Ronaldo has had in Saudi Arabian football since joining Al-Nassr as a free agent. Gouveia is the coach of Saudi club Al-Hazm and recently helped them get promoted to the Saudi Pro League.
Since Ronaldo's departure, the SPL has gotten unprecedented exposure. The league is now broadcast in 137 countries across the globe, meaning many lesser-known players are now being watched by a global football audience.
Gouveia pointed that out, saying (via O Jogo):
"The arrival of Ronaldo was very important. Now we are talking about Messi. For us, Portuguese coaches, it was a fantastic bet and in the country there is a big difference in habits and situations in the cultural and social sphere from three years ago to now. You can breathe better, things are more open, and there are already three cities much closer to Europe. This internationalization of the championship with big names is stimulating."
He further added:
"Foreign players make the difference in terms of mentality, work. That's why it's crucial to find players with Ronaldo's profile, hard work, and maximum demands, who can act as an example for the Saudis. And that's what we were also looking for, bringing Joel Tagueu, Francis Cann, and Ben Traoré, who came from Portugal. They are athletes with a spirit of sacrifice and high professionalism. In Saudi Arabia, you can already find talent and quality, but the mentality is reduced."
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammates like Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Jaloliddin Masharipov, and more have now become familiar among fans. Hence, there is no denying that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is helping the league grow.
When is Cristiano Ronaldo back in action for Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo will return to action on May 23 as Al-Nassr take on Al-Shabab in a Saudi Pro League clash at Mrsool Park. Al-Alamy are currently second in the league with 60 points from 27 games.
They trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by three points. A win against Al-Shabab, though, will secure the second spot for Al-Alamy. They will qualify for next season's AFC Champions League as a result.
Dinko Jelicic's side is also planning on making a late title charge against Al-Ittihad. However, they are unlikely to get the better of Nuno Espirito Santo's side and topple them in the points table.