World Cup 2026: Saudi coach Georgios Donis defends team after 4-0 loss to Spain, responds on dismissal fears

Saudi Arabia's coach, Georgios Donis, defended his team following a significant 4-0 defeat against Spain in the World Cup, acknowledging the players' struggles with insecurity but refuting the notion of fear. The press conference became tense as journalists pressed for answers regarding the team's performance and Donis's future.

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Nothing will take away the pride I feel for my players, we are seeing surprising results in many matches, and I believe the most important factor is that we are still here and will accept the criticism. I hope those who criticize us are realistic.

Donis expressed pride in his players despite the lopsided scoreline, noting that surprising results occur frequently in football. He emphasized the importance of realism when assessing performance and stated that the team would accept criticism. "Nothing will take away the pride I feel for my players," Donis remarked, adding, "We are seeing surprising results in many matches, and I believe the most important factor is that we are still here and will accept the criticism. I hope those who criticize us are realistic."

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The key was that we played against an excellent team, and we decided to play with a five-man line in a low block. Trying to be as solid as possible in defense.

Explaining the tactical setup, Donis revealed that the team adopted a 5-4-1 formation with a low block, aiming for defensive solidity against a strong Spanish side. "The key was that we played against an excellent team, and we decided to play with a five-man line in a low block. Trying to be as solid as possible in defense," he stated. However, he admitted that the team failed to defend their area effectively when Spain advanced, which impacted their morale. "Spain, when they approached, we had to close the spaces well. We did not defend our area well when stopping Spain. This affected our morale, so the analysis in hindsight is that we were not solid enough, we made many errors with the ball at our feet."

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Spain, when they approached, we had to close the spaces well. We did not defend our area well when stopping Spain. This affected our morale, so the analysis in hindsight is that we were not solid enough, we made many errors with the ball at our feet.

Donis addressed the question of his job security, particularly in light of his predecessor Hervé Renard's dismissal in April due to poor results. While acknowledging the impact of conceding three quick goals, he described the team's state not as fear, but as "insecurities." He stressed the need to find ways to motivate the players. "When the match is not going your way and you have conceded three goals very quickly, insecurities begin to emerge, it is obvious that we were affected. We are human beings, and this is obvious, but I would not call it fear, yes, insecurities," he said.

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When the match is not going your way and you have conceded three goals very quickly, insecurities begin to emerge, it is obvious that we were affected. We are human beings, and this is obvious, but I would not call it fear, yes, insecurities.