Saudi Arabia coach Donis promises audacious play against Uruguay

Saudi Arabia's national football team will not adopt a passive approach in their World Cup opener against Uruguay, according to head coach Georgios Donis. The Greek-German manager promised that his squad will play with boldness and a distinct identity, aiming to secure a positive result.

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Our philosophy is to be audacious, have a specific identity and go out to seek what we want to achieve. We are not here to prepare a passive team that limits itself to waiting for the opponent to defend.

"Our philosophy is to be audacious, have a specific identity and go out to seek what we want to achieve," Donis told reporters at a pre-match press conference. He explicitly stated, "We are not here to prepare a passive team that limits itself to waiting for the opponent to defend." This approach signals an intent to control the game and dictate terms against their opponents.

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I feel that our group is one of the most difficult in this World Cup.

Donis acknowledged that the match, part of Group H alongside Spain and Cape Verde, is challenging. He also faces the task of officially debuting as Saudi Arabia's head coach, having taken the helm in late April following the dismissal of Hervé Renard. The transition meant he had minimal preparation time, having named his World Cup squad before even coaching a match.

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To be honest, I have coached the team for 12 sessions in total. The days were not enough. Everything happened very quickly since we arrived and took charge. I already knew the players, but knowing the players as rivals is one thing and coaching them is another.

"To be honest, I have coached the team for 12 sessions in total," Donis admitted. He explained that the rapid nature of his appointment meant he had little time to implement his strategies. Despite the limited preparation, Donis expressed confidence in building a successful team, regardless of the outcomes during the tournament.

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The objective is to build a team that brings success, whatever happens during the World Cup.