Lee Bell: Crewe Alexandra manager says squad should have the drive to hit new targets over final two matches of League Two season (original) (raw)

Ask about this article

Video: Roshen’s final warm-up… Al-Ittihad prepare for the AFC Champions League with a crushing defeat to Neom\nAl-Ittihad fine-tuned their AFC Champions League preparations with a spirited friendly against Neom, but the final score left little room for celebration. The match served as the last chance for head coach Roshen to assess his squad’s readiness before the continent’s premier club competition gets under way. Despite the defeat, the session provided valuable insights into the team’s fitness levels, tactical execution and mental resilience.\nPlaying in front of a vocal home crowd, Al-Ittihad started brightly and controlled possession for long spells. However, Neom’s counter-attacking threat proved decisive, as the visitors exploited rare defensive lapses to secure a morale-boosting win. The goalkeepers were called upon to make several impressive saves, highlighting the quality of chances created at both ends.\nFrom an analytical perspective, the friendly underlined Al-Ittihad’s strengths in ball circulation and wing play, yet it also exposed areas that require attention, such as defensive transitions and set-piece organisation. Roshen will be encouraged by the overall performance, but he will know that fine-tuning these details will be crucial if his side is to make an impact in the AFC Champions League.\nSupporters will take heart from the fact that the squad remains on track with its pre-season targets, and the coaching staff now has clear data points to guide final training sessions. With the group stage draw already made, Al-Ittihad can focus on refining their game plan, managing player workloads and fostering the kind of team unity that often proves decisive in knock-out football.\nOverall, the friendly delivered its primary objective: a challenging environment that forced players to think quickly, adapt to different formations and maintain composure under pressure. Although the result was not what the home supporters hoped for, the process of preparation continues, and the opportunity to learn from a tough outing against quality opposition could prove invaluable when the real campaign begins

Goal
2026-04-08, 22:07

Koulibaly sends a rousing message to Al-Hilal fans ahead of the decisive phase\nKalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal’s seasoned centre-back, has issued a defiant rallying cry to the club’s supporters as the Saudi champions prepare for the most critical stretch of their domestic and continental campaigns. In a post-match interview following Sunday’s 3–1 win over Al-Nassr, the Senegalese international stressed that the title race is far from over and urged the faithful to maintain their unwavering backing. “We need you more than ever,” he said, his voice carrying the confidence of a leader and the determination of a winner. With four rounds remaining in the Saudi Pro League and a quarter-final clash against Al-Ahli looming in the King’s Cup, Koulibaly’s words were designed to unite players and fans behind a single, uncompromising goal: silverware. The 31-year-old joined Al-Hilal from Napoli last summer for a club-record fee, and since then has anchored a defence that has conceded just 18 goals in 26 league outings. His blend of physical strength, reading ability and calm distribution has earned him instant respect in Riyadh and beyond. Yet numbers alone do not explain his influence. On the pitch, he communicates constantly, organizing his back line and urging full-backs to maintain their positions. Off it, he leads by example, arriving early for sessions and studying opposition footage long after most teammates have left the training ground. That commitment, say coaches, is contagious. “When Kalidou speaks, everyone listens,” explained one Al-Hilal staff member who requested anonymity. “He has earned that right through his professionalism and his performances. He understands what it takes to win trophies, and he’s not afraid to demand the same from others.” That no-nonsense approach resonates with fans who remember the club’s lean years. Before Koulibaly’s arrival, Al-Hilal had gone three seasons without a league title-an eternity for a side that once dominated Asian football. His leadership, they hope, can restore the glory that saw the club lift the Asian Champions League in 2019. For his part, Koulibaly insists that the journey is collective. “It’s not about one player,” he said. “It’s about a team, a club, a city. We rise together, or we fall together. But I promise you, we will give everything we have to make this season unforgettable.” Such rhetoric is music to the ears of Al-Hilal supporters, who have already begun planning celebratory gatherings across the kingdom. They know that words alone do not win matches, but they also understand that a leader’s voice can inspire the kind of unity that turns promise into reality. As the final whistle approaches, Koulibaly’s message is clear: stand tall, stay loud, and believe

Goal
2026-04-09, 10:09