“Cristiano will make the Saudi League bigger”

Vicente Moreno, coach of Saudi Al Sadd, attended Mundo Deportivo in Riyadh, where he is experiencing his first months in charge of the club that will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr this Saturday, although the Portuguese is yet to make his debut because he already has the second and last. against punishment.

[+] Watch the video interview:

How were these first months in Arabia?

It is a new experience, completely different from the usual: we are in a different culture from ours, at the football level there are also many different things… And we are in the process of adaptation. enjoying the experience

What brought you here, to a League other than the Spanish?

Well, my passion for work. This year in Primera there was very little movement of coaches and we didn’t get in. My passion for my work is such that this option has arisen and I would rather live it than stay at home. We don’t hesitate and here we are, improving and learning, living an experience that will put many things in our backpack that will be useful for the future.

What is the difference between this League and the Spanish one?

There are many differences: it is neither better nor worse. There are cultural differences, both in personal and everyday life and in football. And that process of adapting to different things, such as always practicing in the afternoon because of this there is more nightlife than during the day, which conforms to the times set by the religious prayers five times a day, including one at dawn… We adapt to what. it means getting out of the comfort state we have, surrendering and working.

And how does the connection work with players?

That’s one of the experiences that made you choose these situations, trying to improve your English. We went with a translator who always translated into Arabic, even though the football was international and we ended up understanding each other even though it was with signs. Being a coach is a profession that sends a lot and it is not the same to do it in your language than through a third person.

On Saturday they face Al Nassr, Cristiano’s team, with the lead at stake.

A player like Cristiano has an impact on any club, country or league. This is positive for all of us who work here every day because it will give more impact to our League. This weekend we play against his team, not against him because he is suspended. Let’s see if we can beat them and regain the first position, knowing that it is difficult to play against teams with such economic potential.

Is it a relief not to play with him?

I would prefer it on the field because it will give more impact to the game, because we are playing at home and the chase will be more interesting for our fans. And because you always want to have the best on earth. But it is a lesser rival, although the concern is always focused on your team.

What was the impact of Cristiano’s arrival in the Arab League?

Everyone is asking, of course, it has increased interest in the League, in Riyadh there are posters all over the city about Cristiano, it is in the news in all the Spanish news…

We end with an inevitable question: how do you see Spanish?

Well, there is sadness and there is nostalgia. We spent two amazing years there. Today we watch Espanyol, I watch almost all the games, like the other teams we have been to. It is sad to see the Spanish in such a difficult situation. But I hope that the players, the club, the coach, the fans, can get out of that situation. No doubt.