A significant divide is emerging among Portuguese football coaches in Saudi Arabia, with several struggling at the bottom of the league while one veteran manager dominates at the top.
Armando Evangelista’s Damac club suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to Al Taawon on Sunday, marking his fifth consecutive loss in six matches across all competitions. His team has secured only one point in the Saudi League, placing them 16th.
After five rounds, the bottom four teams in the Saudi Arabian League are all led by Portuguese coaches. Al-Najma, managed by Mário Silva, is in last place with zero points, as is Akhdoud, coached by Paulo Sérgio. José Gomes’ Al Fateh and Evangelista’s Damac both have one point each.
In stark contrast, veteran Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus has led Al Nassr to a perfect record. His team has won all five of its matches, accumulating 15 points to top the league standings.
In Damac’s latest defeat, Al Taawon’s goals came from Al Ahmad in the 11th minute, Mandash in the 13th, Harkass (an own goal) in the 53rd, Martinez in the 68th, Al Hurayji in the 87th, and Faivre in the 88th. Vada scored Damac’s sole goal in the 31st minute.