‘Huge motivation’: Saudi players cite crown prince meeting for team’s upbeat outlook

RIYADH: Saudi players are feeling more upbeat as they continue their preparations for the FIFA World Cup after meeting the crown prince on Sunday.

The Green Falcons met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday ahead of the major global contest in Qatar next month, with players saying they feel more confident after his supportive words.

“It was a very important meeting for us,” said Abullah Mado, “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.

Mado, who returned to the side after a health issue, said the players can go into games feeling relaxed because of the encounter.

The national side defeated North Macedonia on Saturday, with Saleh Al-Shehri’s 85th minute goal ensuring the win.

Despite the immense pressure and anticipation that follows the national side, Al-Shehri said the team is more upbeat particularly after the crown prince’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, “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 the winning groove on track as 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 those predictions wrong  when they face Lionel Messi and company