Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira appeared visibly frustrated following Al-Shabab's defeat to Al-Ettifaq, expressing concerns not just about the loss, but also about the growing disparities he has observed among the Saudi Pro League teams.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pereira said: "We played a tough match, and our team had to use players out of their natural positions, as you saw today. Al-Shabab, like many other clubs, started the league without a full squad."

Pereira, who continued speaking without taking any questions from the journalists, added: "I came to the Saudi Pro League and to Al-Shabab with enthusiasm and the intention to compete with the top clubs, fully aware of the league's strength. However, the reality is quite different from what I expected. What I’ve seen so far is that there are two distinct groups—strong teams and teams with no chance of competing."

He continued his remarks without pause: "Today, Al-Shabab’s bench had players with an average age of no more than 19 years. Unfortunately, this is our reality, and I have nothing more to add."

Pereira then left the press conference without waiting for any questions from the media, reiterating as he departed: "Unfortunately, this is our reality, and I have nothing more to add."