RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s World Cup players say their meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman here on Sunday has given them a huge boost as they continue preparing for the global football showcase next month.
“It was a very important meeting for us,” said Abdullah Madu. “He asked us to play humbly and that everyone trusts our abilities. That alone is a huge motivation,” the defender said in an interview released by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.
Madu, who returned to the side after a health issue, said the players can go into games feeling more relaxed because of the meeting with the crown prince.
The national side defeated North Macedonia on Saturday, with Saleh Al-Shehri’s 85th minute goal being all that was required.
Despite the immense pressure and anticipation, Al-Shehri said the team is more upbeat particularly after Prince Mohammed’s encouragement.
“A heavy burden was lifted. Moving forward, we will be more relaxed,” he said.
The Al-Hilal attacker is happy to be back in a Saudi shirt and wants to contribute as much as he can to an impressive World Cup campaign.
“It was my first game in six months,” said Al-Shehri of the match on Saturday. “It feels good to be back with the drive to prove to my coach and teammates that I’m here and that they can count on me.”
The Green Falcons will seek to keep their winning groove going when they face Albania in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia were drawn in the same World Cup group as Poland, Mexico and Argentina, one of the favorites to win the competition. The Green Falcons will be aiming to prove predictions wrong when they tackle Lionel Messi and company at the Lusail Stadium on Nov. 22.
