Saudi Coach Donis Laments Lack of Time with Squad After Uruguay Fightback

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis believes his team's tactical inflexibility in their World Cup opener against Uruguay stemmed from insufficient time together. Donis, who took charge in late April, saw his squad draw 1-1 after Uruguay fought back in the second half. This match was his first competitive game after only three friendlies.

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For us, within three weeks we've been trying to set up our game, build up our game and have a better spirit. When we're faced with certain opponents, getting one point is a positive event and this is a booster for our psychology.

"For us, within three weeks we've been trying to set up our game, build up our game and have a better spirit," Donis said. "When we're faced with certain opponents, getting one point is a positive event and this is a booster for our psychology."

Donis acknowledged that he is still learning about his players and their reactions on the field. "Currently I'm trying to learn my team, I'm trying to learn my players and get to know them. I see how they react and behave and what I've seen is that, due to the lack of time, we cannot be flexible during the match," he explained. While the team knows how to play certain formations like 4-4-2 or 4-3-2-1, Donis noted they lack the ability to switch to formations with three midfielders or five defenders, a flexibility that requires more time to develop.

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Currently I'm trying to learn my team, I'm trying to learn my players and get to know them. I see how they react and behave and what I've seen is that, due to the lack of time, we cannot be flexible during the match.

The Saudis initially controlled the game and took the lead in the 41st minute through Abdulelah Alamri. However, Uruguay dominated the second half, with Maxi Araujo scoring a deserved equalizer with 10 minutes remaining. Donis reflected that in the first half, his team had good control and opportunities but lacked decisiveness. He suggested that in the second half, perhaps due to fatigue, the team's intensity dropped, allowing Uruguay to press deeper into their half. Donis praised his goalkeeper and defense for their performance despite the pressure.

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I'm trying to learn my team better and to see how we think.