The German Matthias Yaissle, coach of Al-Ahli Saudi Club, explained the reason for the exclusion of Brazilian Galinho from his team's starting lineup against Neom yesterday in the first round of the league championship.

Yaissle said in statements to Al-Riyadiyah newspaper: "The exclusion of Galinho from the starting lineup was a disciplinary decision after the player was late for the technical meeting, so I had to exclude him, which is the same thing that happened before with Ali Majrashi in the semi-finals of the Super Cup, and there is no difference for me between the foreign and Saudi player."

He continued: "I will not talk about the transfers, I am confident in the players present and I thank them for what they have provided with us over the past two seasons."

Yaissle praised the new arrival Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, saying: "I am happy with him, as he is an Ahli player who was developed within the club and possesses great potential."

He added: "It is difficult to play after achieving an accomplishment, as after winning the Saudi Super Cup title we struggled yesterday against Neom and did not show the required level."

He praised Neom's level, saying: "A very strong team with a great future ahead of them, and I thank them for their performance, and the call-up of 5 players from Al-Ahli to the Saudi national team is evidence of the development of local players within the club."