Jack Hendry primed for first Dammam derby with Al-Ettifaq

Scotland's defender #13 Jack Hendry (R) controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A football match (AFP)
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Updated 03 April 2025
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Jack Hendry primed for first Dammam derby with Al-Ettifaq

  • The Scotland defender spoke to Arab News about playing under Steven Gerrard and the ‘Eastern Derby’ against Al-Qadsiah

LONDON: Al-Ettifaq center back Jack Hendry knows a fair bit about cross-city rivalries. He played for Dundee against Dundee United, for Club Brugge against Cercle Brugge and, most notably, for Celtic against Rangers in the Old Firm Derby.

On Saturday, Hendry will face a new foe when he lines up in Al-Ettifaq’s defense against high-flying Al-Qadsiah. For the past few years, Al-Ettifaq has been Dammam’s leading club, but this season it has been undeniably usurped by rivals Al-Qadsiah.

Michel’s newly promoted side has enjoyed a stellar season on its return to the Kingdom’s top flight, currently lying third in the Saudi Pro League table and making it to the final of the King’s Cup.

“Hats off to Qadsiah, they’ve had a very good season,” Hendry told Arab News in an exclusive interview. “They’ve had good recruitment, bringing in players that have worked well for them.

“We really want to match that and will continue to work hard to be the main team in Dammam. I think we’re very much capable of doing that. It’s been a disappointing season but we are extremely motivated to be the No. 1 team in the city for our fans, because we know how much it means to them.”

He added: “This is something I am really hungry for. I moved to Al-Ettifaq to accomplish something in football; we don’t want to be finishing mid-table, we want to be winning the King’s Cup, qualifying for Asian competition and challenging at the top of the league.”

Hendry’s winning mentality is ingrained after spells at Celtic in his native Scotland and Club Brugge in Belgium — both clubs expected to consistently challenge for every domestic trophy.

It was this hunger that initially convinced him to move to Al-Ettifaq in summer 2023, excited by the possibility of working under Steven Gerrard. The coach’s own glittering playing career yielded myriad trophies at Liverpool before he also won the Scottish Premiership as Rangers boss in 2021.  

“I had lots of opportunities to go to different places across Europe, but Steven really sold the project to me,” Hendry said. “It was an opportunity I thought I couldn’t let go.

“I picked up a lot from Steven and it was a great honor to play for him as he was one of my idols growing up. The winning mentality is something he obviously had as a player and he definitely brought that to his coaching too.”

In January, after 18 months at the helm, Gerrard left Al-Ettifaq and former Saudi Arabia U-23s’ coach Saad Al-Shehri returned for his second stint.

Hendry admits he was sad to see Gerrard go but praised his teammates for their professionalism in quickly adapting to their new coach’s approach — the team are now seventh in the Pro League table with victories including an impressive 3-2 away to Al-Nassr in February.

“To lose a figure, a role model like Steven with all his experience in the game is always disappointing,” Hendry said. “But in football, you get setbacks and things you don’t expect — you have to learn from it rather than dwell on it.

“We’ve now got a new manager who is extremely positive and highly ambitious for the football club. It matches my ambitions as well so I’m delighted he has those high standards and I’m really looking forward to the future.”

Al-Shehri’s arrival has coincided with Hendry’s return to the Al-Ettifaq starting lineup. The Saudi coach clearly sees the 29-year-old as a key figure both on the pitch and in the dressing-room, but it comes after a difficult first half of the season for Hendry.

After playing every minute of every game in the 2023-24 campaign, Hendry found himself initially omitted from the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League squad after suffering an injury. His return came quicker than anticipated, meaning he faced a painful wait for the end of the winter break to return to action.

“I was really happy with how I played last season and I really put my body on the line for the team,” Hendry says. “I played in a couple of games when I had a broken nose and a fractured cheek as well. This is the sort of player I am — I want to put in everything for the team.

“That’s why the first half of this season was so tough. It was a difficult situation but I worked extremely hard to … be fit as soon as possible because I knew the impact I could have on the side. Unfortunately, that then meant I needed to spend longer watching the team as I couldn’t play.

“I want the club to be as successful as possible and feel that when I am on the pitch we have a better chance of keeping the goals out. Thankfully now I’m back in the team and hopefully those circumstances won’t happen again.”

While Hendry has helped bring some solidity back to the Al-Ettifaq defense, the team has been struggling at the other end of the pitch. Al-Shehri’s side goes into the Dammam derby without star striker Moussa Dembele, who in February was ruled out until the end of the year after rupturing his Achilles.

“He is a very talented footballer, a very powerful striker,” Hendry says of Dembele, who was also his teammate at Celtic. “Moussa is going to be a big miss — no team wants to lose their No. 9. But we need to react to that in a positive way, do our best for him and hope he has a good recovery.”

Al-Ettifaq’s attackers will have their work cut out on Saturday against an Al- Qadsiah side that has the Saudi Pro League’s meanest defense this season — they have conceded just 21 goals in 25 games.

Hendry is nonetheless relishing the opportunity to play in his first Dammam derby. While he admits the rivalry might not have the ferocity of the Old Firm or Bruges games, he hopes Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Qadsiah might develop into something just as special.

“Obviously the fans of Celtic and Rangers absolutely live and breathe the Old Firm Derby in Scotland,” Hendry explains. “It means a lot and that creates an unbelievable atmosphere — it would be impossible to experience that kind of a game anywhere else.

“The passion in Scotland and in Belgium were amazing but we are talking about generations upon generations of fans. There is the potential with what’s going on right now in Saudi Arabia that it can reach that level.

“We already have many very loyal supporters at Ettifaq. I know it would mean the world to them to beat Qadsiah and we need to go out there and make them proud of the football club — that’s what we’ll try to do.”


Liverpool’s Salah voted Football Writers’ Player of the Year

Updated 55 min 31 sec ago
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Liverpool’s Salah voted Football Writers’ Player of the Year

  • Salah earned the prize after scoring 28 goals and producing 18 assists for Liverpool
  • The Egypt forward broke the record for the most goal involvements

LONDON: Mohamed Salah won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award for the third time on Friday after inspiring Liverpool’s march to a record-equalling 20th English title.

Salah earned the prize after scoring 28 goals and producing 18 assists for Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

The Egypt forward broke the record for the most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League campaign as Arne Slot’s side romped to their first title since 2020.

Salah secured almost 90 percent of the football writers’ votes, marking the biggest winning margin this century.

Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk came second in the contest, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak third and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice fourth.

Salah, who was previously given the award in 2017-18 and 2021-22, is now level with former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry as the only players to win it three times.

The 32-year-old recently ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Salah’s decision to commit to Liverpool will make them favorites to win a record 21st title next season as they look to move ahead of Manchester United as England’s most successful top-flight club.

Alessia Russo became the second Arsenal player to land the women’s award as the striker finished ahead of last year’s winner Khadija Shaw.


Lionel Messi, Inter Miami turn focus to Minnesota United

Updated 09 May 2025
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Lionel Messi, Inter Miami turn focus to Minnesota United

  • The Loons will play Miami for only the second time ever
  • Inter Miami enter the match in fourth place in the Eastern Conference

MIAMI: Inter Miami embark on the first of back-to-back road trips in five days when they take on host Minnesota United on Saturday afternoon in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The Loons (5-2-4, 19 points) will play Miami for only the second time ever and enter the contest a distant second in the Western Conference.

Minnesota is balancing league play with its push to try to win the US Open Cup, as it advanced to the Round of 16 on Wednesday with a 1-0 win over USL Championship club Louisville City FC.

Inter Miami (6-1-3, 21 points) enter the match in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated 3-1 by Vancouver in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup on April 30.

Miami can narrow its focus to league play over the next few weeks and try to continue making up ground in the standings coming off a 4-1 win over the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.

“We’re going to fight for the top spots in the Eastern Conference, and then we’ll see what comes (over the summer) with the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said this week. “But right now, the most important game is the next one.”

Lionel Messi scored in Miami’s victory Saturday as did Luis Suarez, breaking droughts of four games across all competitions without goals for the two soccer legends.

Darius Randell scored the lone goal in the 65th minute against Louisville on an assist from Sang Bin Jeong.

Saturday’s game will feature a reunion of sorts as recently acquired midfielder Julian Gressel will face his former club, which waived him last month. Gressel started 31 games for Inter Miami last season.

“I’ve been waiting for this ever since I knew what my situation was in Miami and that was pretty early on,” Gressel told Minnesota reporters recently.

“They laid a pretty clear picture out for me, and I appreciated that, so we could try and come up with a solution. It took longer than I thought, but ultimately, I’m happy to be here.”


Rhodes, Tamburlini lead new generation at Aramco Korea Championship, part of PIF Global Series

Updated 09 May 2025
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Rhodes, Tamburlini lead new generation at Aramco Korea Championship, part of PIF Global Series

  • Duo to serve as captains in innovative team format
  • ‘It’s amazing to be back with my team after a short break, and I’m really excited for this stage of the season,’ says Rhodes

SEOUL: Rising stars Chiara Tamburlini and Mimi Rhodes are set to lead the competition at this week’s Aramco Korea Championship, part of the newly launched PIF Global Series.

The duo are to serve as captains at the tournament which was scheduled to begin on Friday and features an innovative team format.

The Seoul event will feature the young talents taking on leadership roles — reflecting growing confidence in the new generation of women golfing stars.

England’s Rhodes has had a remarkable start to her 2025 season, claiming her first two titles on the Ladies European Tour with victories at the Joburg Ladies Open and the Ford Women’s Open in New South Wales.

Rhodes, who turned professional in 2024, said: “I feel like I’m in a great place after those two wins. It’s amazing to be back with my team after a short break, and I’m really excited for this stage of the season.

“I didn’t expect to be a captain, but just hearing the idea gave me a real boost and confidence that I’m now among the top players.”

Swiss golfer Tamburlini enters the tournament with confidence following a historic 2024 season that saw her win titles in South Africa, France, and Taiwan.

She was crowned Rookie of the Year and topped the overall ranking on the Ladies European Tour.

Tamburlini led her team to victory at the Shenzhen and Riyadh events last year, becoming the first captain to win back-to-back team titles in a single season.

She said: “I’m super excited for this week. Team events are always fun, and I love being surrounded by players I enjoy competing with.

“As a captain it’s important to maintain team spirit and keep everyone motivated throughout the round. I recently played my first major in the US, which was a great learning experience. I hope to bring some of that here.”

Rhodes was part of Tamburlini’s winning team at last year’s Riyadh Championship, which marked her debut in the Aramco Team Series, now rebranded as the PIF Global Series.

All eyes are on the Aramco Korea Championship as it blends competitive golf with team camaraderie, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its international presence in the sport.


Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen at end of season

Updated 09 May 2025
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Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen at end of season

  • Alonso had a contract until 2026 but the club said they had granted his wish to terminate his deal at the end of the season.
  • "We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach," Alonso told reporters.

BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will leave his role at the end of the season, with the Spaniard saying on Friday the time was right after a fruitful three-year spell, as media reports link him to the Real Madrid job for next term.

Alonso took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022 and guided them to the double last season as they lifted their first Bundesliga title, without losing a game, while they also won the German Cup and reached the Europa League final.

Alonso had a contract until 2026 but the club said they had granted his wish to terminate his deal at the end of the season.

"We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach," Alonso told reporters.
Leverkusen, who will finish the season as runners-up to Bayern Munich, host Borussia Dortmund on Sunday in what will be Alonso's final home game before ending the Bundesliga campaign at Mainz 05 on May 17.

"We've been talking during this week and now it's the right moment to announce it," Alonso added of his departure.

"Now that we have clarity it's the right moment to say that for sure it's a moment with mixed emotions, that it's the moment to announce it and to know it."

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga title from Leverkusen with two games left to play, with Alonso's side currently eight points adrift of the Bavarians.

ALONSO'S LEGACY

Looking back at his time with Leverkusen, Alonso said the first season was the most difficult campaign as he came in with the club lying in the relegation zone before he propelled the side to a top-six finish to qualify for the Europa League.
"The second season was a historic season, it was a dream season with great nights, great games and we made history," he added.

"This season has been the most challenging one. When we had to fulfil expectations, when we were playing in the Champions League, where we were playing to try to give our best and when we don't make a final we are disappointed."

Leverkusen lost 5-0 on aggregate to Bayern in the Champions League last 16 and 2-1 to Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup.

"There has been development in the club, in the players and in myself. I have learned so many things and I have improved as a coach, as someone that needs to have more resources for myself, for the future."

Alonso also said he was proud of what he is leaving behind - a squad capable of fighting for titles.

REAL MADRID?

Asked about what he will do next, Alonso said: "It's not the moment to talk too much about the future because now that we know, we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, for myself."

Alonso has been widely tipped to return to Real Madrid, the club where he won four major trophies as a player, including the 10th Champions League crown that the Spanish giants had waited 12 years to win.

Spanish media reports have said Real manager Carlo Ancelotti could leave the club at the end of the season after they were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona.

Holders Real are second in LaLiga, four points behind Barca with four games left and visit their rivals on Sunday.

Ancelotti has been linked with the Brazil job and has not confirmed if he will take charge of Real at the Club World Cup in the United States next month, saying that he would talk about his future on May 25 - the final day of the LaLiga season.

When Alonso was asked if he held a valid visa to travel to the U.S., the Spaniard smiled and said: "No idea!"


Luis Enrique resting key players in Ligue 1 as PSG chase treble

Updated 09 May 2025
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Luis Enrique resting key players in Ligue 1 as PSG chase treble

  • Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha have been given time off
  • “We have a set plan which depends on playing time and traveling throughout the season,” Enrique said

PARIS: Several key Paris St. Germain players will be rested as the French champions look to ensure they remain fresh for their two finals coming up, including the Champions League showpiece, as they chase a treble, manager Luis Enrique said on Friday.
PSG sealed the league title with six games to spare last month and will now target the Coupe de France final on May 24 against Stade de Reims before they chase a first Champions League crown versus Inter Milan a week later.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha have been given time off and will not return to training until Wednesday.
“We have a set plan which depends on playing time and traveling throughout the season. You have to balance all that out to arrive in the best possible condition for both finals,” Luis Enrique said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Montpellier.
“When the Champions League final is over, the vast majority will go to the national team. Every player needs a personalized plan. We’ve managed that, but there are still the final matches to achieve our objectives.
“The players need to arrive mentally fresh ... We’re playing against Montpellier and Auxerre (next weekend), which will help us stick to our plan. There are a lot of players and we’re managing it individually.”
Luis Enrique said Ousmane Dembele is fully fit after the club’s top scorer with 33 goals this season only came on as a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal victory over Arsenal.
“Ousmane Dembele is perfectly fine. He trained with the team today, he wanted to come,” the Spaniard said.
“He had permission from the staff not to come, it’s what we considered adequate rest time. But if he needs to come, he’s completely free to do so.”
PSG will be playing in their second Champions League final after losing to Bayern Munich in 2020 and Luis Enrique said the French club deserve to win the title after such a long wait.
“If a team deserves to win, after waiting so long, it’s PSG. I know the club was founded the year I was born (in 1970). Let’s hope this connection proves true and we can secure the Champions League,” he said.
“The problem is that there will definitely be one team that won’t succeed ... but I hope we win.”