Focused Robbie Fowler looks to lead ambitious Al-Qadsiah to a brighter future

Robbie Fowler would love nothing more than to join the big boys of the Roshn Saudi League next season. (Twitter: @Alqadsiah)
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Updated 13 August 2024
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Focused Robbie Fowler looks to lead ambitious Al-Qadsiah to a brighter future

  • Club remain unbeaten 4 games into new season, with promotion from the first division to the SPL a possibility for the former Liverpool star

Steven Gerrard is not the only former Liverpool legend making a splash as a coach in Saudi Arabia’s exciting new football world.

Robbie Fowler the player never bowed to a challenge and was one of the sharpest strikers in Europe. Now, more than a decade after hanging up his boots, the former England, Liverpool and Manchester City forward is showing he has taken that same mentality into management as the coach of First Division Al-Qadsiah.

The 48-year-old has led his new club to three wins and a draw in an undefeated start to the 2023-24 league campaign, and would love nothing more than to join the big boys of the Roshn Saudi League next season.

Fowler, however, is not getting carried away at such an early stage.

“There’s always going to be pressure on you, and you have to accept that,” he said. “The owners (Aramco) would like to get promoted and I also would like that. I want to be successful, of course. From a club point of view, there’s got to be some realism there though. Regardless of where you finished last season and how much money you’ve spent, there’s no guarantee or entitlement to say we’re going to get into the pro league.

“My primary example for that is Chelsea,” said Fowler. “They’ve spent almost a billion pounds on players and they’re probably further away from the top four than they’ve been for years. So, there’s no guarantee if you bring in lots of players that you’re going to be successful. It just doesn’t work like that. But if you have that club ethos in place and a group of players totally committed to the cause then, of course, anything is possible.”

During a playing career that saw him net 163 goals in 379 Premier League appearances between 1993 and 2009, Fowler racked up honors — an FA Cup, two League Cups, a UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, as well as two PFA Young Player of the Year Awards in 1995 and 1996. Now he is racking up every conceivable coaching qualification he can get his hands on — the most recent coming in the form of an LMA Diploma in Football Management.

Al-Qadsiah is the latest stop in a managerial career that has already taken him from Thailand to Saudi Arabia via Australia and India.

Fowler’s relationship with Al-Qadsiah started with a consultancy role before he was made head coach in June 2023, after going through the same interview process as every other candidate.

A now seven-game unbeaten run, including the opening four league matches, is exactly the start Fowler would have dreamed of — sitting joint top of the table alongside Al-Jabalain and Al-Arabi after picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in the league.

But that does not tell half the story. Fowler took a squad of 27 players to Turkiye on a pre-season tour, yet only two out of that initial group have started in the team’s league games thus far. It is evident Fowler’s team now have an identity, an impressive early-season feat considering the new nucleus of his first 11 only joined the squad two days prior to the start of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the training ground — which still consists of a single pitch and a new state-of-the-art gym — is a far cry from seasons past. Part of Fowler’s consultancy role was trying to produce an environment in which the players could thrive and, thankfully from his point of view, the owners are evidently very understanding of what the players’ needs are.

Fowler’s sole goal is to get the most out of every resource available to him, priding himself on instilling the theme of family culture at clubs he has managed.

“Pre-season is all about getting your squad together and getting your ethos across, but we couldn’t do that here,” Fowler told Arab News. “We had to just get on with it. We’ve effectively had a new team and a new squad, so to implement what we’ve wanted to do in that short space of time and remain unbeaten ... Without blowing my trumpet, I think it’s pretty remarkable to be honest.

“I’m all about creating that family environment. If you’ve got that synergy with the staff, then they do that little bit more. It’s not just about the man-management of players; it’s about the staff too and treating them like they’re the best people in the world.”

Al-Qadsiah is the fourth team Fowler has coached fulltime, following stints at Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar, and East Bengal respectively. Both personally and professionally, Fowler has learnt so much from those different cultural experiences.

“In terms of where I’ve been, every country has its different standards and ‘remit’ if you like,” he added. “It all boils down to you as a person, ultimately. If you can understand and respect the values of the country that you’re in, then that’s a huge move in the right direction already.

“From a cultural point of view, you’re learning new stuff every single day. Every player is different and you have to respect prayer times, certainly in Saudi Arabia. At the end of the day it’s all about bringing out the best in every player you have, both on and off the field. Better people translates to better players, and with that the results will follow.”

That has certainly been the case so far for Fowler, whose side’s most recent result was a hard-fought stalemate on the road at Al-Ain in Al-Baha. The early form of Al-Qadsiah, a team that finished 11th last season, has certainly increased expectations around the club.

His quest for success has coincided with him making the ultimate sacrifice — a difficult, but necessary decision — of leaving his family at home in the UK for extended periods of time. Thankfully for Fowler, they are fully supportive of his decisions and understand the journey he is on. What defines success for Fowler, however, is not necessarily simply titles and trophies.

“People think success is just winning trophies, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s making a team better — on and off the field — and getting them prepared for the next level. Me not winning trophies at a club doesn’t mean I haven’t been successful. If someone comes in after me and helps the club improve further, I’ve played my part in helping them on that journey.

“I know I’m on my own journey right now and I’ve had to come overseas to do it,” Fowler said. “But you know what, as much as I love my family and I miss them, this is what I want to do. If you want something that badly then you’ve got to make sacrifices at the end of the day; try different things and get out of your comfort zone. I’ve done that for years now and I’ve genuinely enjoyed it.”


Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants’ 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph

Updated 16 May 2025
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Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants’ 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph

  • How Karim Benzema’s leading of deadly strike force, big-game mentality and local talent helped the Yellows to a 10th league crown
  • Even at the grand old age of 37, his goalscoring talents have been there for all to see

LONDON: Al-Ittihad are champions of Saudi Arabia. The Tigers clinched their 10th title on Thursday with two games of the season remaining after a 3-1 win at Al-Raed. It has been a long campaign, and here are five reasons behind the latest success for the yellow-and-black half of Jeddah.

Benzema, Aouar and Diaby provide an irresistible attacking force
Of course, the biggest star gets the most attention but this has been a season to remember for Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was beset by injuries in his first season and, while he was on the sidelines as the title was clinched on Thursday, he played a major part this season.
Even at the grand old age of 37, his goalscoring talents have been there for all to see. Benzema has 21 in the league and is second in the standings, two behind a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet, if penalties are taken out of the equation, then the Ittihad star stays on 21 while Al-Nassr’s man has 16. Having such a consistent finisher makes a huge difference.
Playing deeper is Houssem Aouar. The French-born Algerian also contributed 12 goals, including a vital last-minute winner against Al-Nassr in early May that gave Ittihad’s chances a huge boost, and much more besides. Add the 13 assists from Moussa Diaby and the Jeddah giants had firepower few could match.

The Tigers roared back to shine in big games
Early in the campaign, Al-Ittihad lost 3-1 at Al-Hilal and were well beaten, going 3-0 down by the break. After finishing fifth the season before, a long way behind the champions, it looked as if Hilal were going to be too strong once again.
Yet it seemed to be exactly the result needed. From then, there was a resilience about the Jeddah giants and they never lost again to any of their title rivals. The King’s Cup victory over Al-Hilal in January, albeit on penalties, was a sign that they could beat the champions. Other powers were also dispatched. Six points were taken off Al-Nassr and Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli provided four. The big one was, however, that 4-1 win over Al-Hilal in February in front of an ecstatic home crowd. From that point on, Al-Ittihad looked like champions, while Al-Hilal did not.

Local talent provided the foundation
One lesson, not that it was really needed, from Al-Hilal’s title win last time around was that while foreign players have a huge part to play, any potential champion need a solid local contingent and Ittihad certainly had that this time around.
Abdulrahman Al-Oboud has come into his own, especially in the second half of the season providing goals, assists and generally making things happen. It was noticeable that in the 3-1 win at Al-Raed which clinched the title, the 29-year-old was everywhere.
Saleh Al-Shehri was more of a squad player and also in his first season but the experienced striker made a difference when needed especially with the only goal of October’s Jeddah Derby.
Further back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti has proven himself to be one of the best and certainly most consistent full-backs in Saudi Arabia while Hassan Kadesh has not only impressed for the national team, but been a huge presence in the middle of the defence.

Blanc and Kante bring calm among the storm
There is not just a strong French connection in attack but Laurent Blanc brought with him an air of calmness to the coaching hotseat after a tumultuous season last time with coaches. The former Lyon boss brings a pragmatic approach to get the best out of the players he has, rather than trying to impose a system regardless of what is available. Known in France for a defensive approach, there has certainly been an emphasis on stability at the back, but then, Ittihad have scored almost 2.5 goals per game.
It helps that there is an intelligent coach on the pitch in the shape of N’Golo Kante. The midfielder is simply world class and ensures that Ittihad not only have more of the ball but also use it well. The former Chelsea star also rises to the big occasion and was immense in the vital win over Al-Nassr in early May that virtually sealed the title.

Fans, schedule and the failings of others
Al-Ittihad have some of the best — many in Jeddah would say the best — fans in the country and Asia. Having an average attendance of around 40,000 is hugely impressive, and not many other teams on the continent even come close. That brings pressure but can also inspire, and it has certainly done that this season.
There have been other advantages. The relatively poor season last time around did provide some help as it meant no Champions League football. Title rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr had 10 or 11 extra games in Asia and that makes a huge difference. It gave Blanc time to train, rest and rotate.
And then, there is the fact that the other teams all dropped points. Al-Ittihad had their stumbles but this season their rivals did not take advantage with Al-Hilal — a winning machine last time around — unusually fallible. But teams still have to make use of the hand they are dealt, and Al-Ittihad certainly did that to become deserving champions.


Al-Ittihad crowned Saudi Pro League champions for 10th time

Updated 16 May 2025
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Al-Ittihad crowned Saudi Pro League champions for 10th time

  • With 2 games left to play, the Tigers move 9 points clear of Al-Hilal with a 3-1 away victory over already relegated Al-Raed
  • Al-Hilal have 3 games remaining but an inferior head-to-head record means there is no way they can overtake their rivals

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad were crowned champions of Saudi Arabia for the 10th time after a 3-1 victory at Al-Raed on Thursday.

The Tigers have two games left to play and are nine points clear of second-place Al-Hilal, who have three games remaining but an inferior head-to-head record, which means there is no way they can overtake their rivals.

As Al-Ittihad take the Saudi Pro League trophy back to Jeddah, just two years after their last title triumph, the focus now for Al-Hilal is the battle with Al-Qadsiah, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli for second place and the prize of qualification for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite that comes with it.

It looked as if there might be another twist in the title race when Oumar Gonzalez put bottom-place Al-Raed, who are already relegated, ahead after just nine minutes. The Cameroonian pounced on a rare defensive mistake from N’Golo Kante to fire home from close range.
 

With top-scorer Karim Benzema injured and watching from the sidelines, there might have been some concern in the dugout. But if Laurent Blanc’s men were rattled they did not let it show and in the 21st minute they were back on level terms, courtesy of Steven Bergwijn, after Abdulrahman Al-Oboud broke into the right side of the area and squared the ball for the Dutchman, who made no mistake.

It was obvious from the reactions of the Al-Ittihad attackers that they wanted more of the same and that’s what they delivered as they took the lead five minutes before the break. Unai Hernandez swung over a corner from the left and Danilo Pereira was the first to reach the ball at the near post, heading smartly past the goalkeeper.

From then, it was always going to be difficult for the home side to get back into it, and it was effectively game over just two minutes after the restart. Bergwijn chipped a pass, or perhaps a shot, through a crowded area and Al-Aboud was waiting on the goal line to bundle the ball into the net for the goal that sealed the win and the title.

Come the final whistle, the celebratory T-shirts with a “Champions 25” slogan were pulled on and the celebrations started in earnest. They might continue for some time.


Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win

Saudi Crown Prince in a photo with Al-Ahli players. SPA
Updated 12 May 2025
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Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win

  • Praises Al-Ahli for exceptional performance, professionalism
  • Victory vital to boost Saudi’s growing stature in global sports

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Al-Ahli on Monday for winning the 2025 Asian Elite Champions League.

At a reception here, the crown prince met with Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal, Al-Ahli Club Chairman Dr. Khaled Al-Issa Al-Ghamdi, and several of the club’s staff and players.

The crown prince congratulated the team on their historic victory and praised them for their exceptional performance and professionalism.

He stressed the importance of hard work to elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports arena.

Al-Ahli’s continental success marks a major milestone in the club’s history and comes amid Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in sports and culture as a part of Vision 2030.


Minister of Sport receives 2025 AFC Elite Champions League winners Al-Ahli

Updated 05 May 2025
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Minister of Sport receives 2025 AFC Elite Champions League winners Al-Ahli

  • Prince Abdulaziz congratulated the Al-Ahli players and management on their victory over Japan’s Kawasaki
  • Prince Abdulaziz expressed his admiration at the outstanding performances delivered by the team over the course of the tournament

JEDDAH: Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal received the 2025 AFC Elite Champions League winners Al-Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah and congratulated them on their victory over Japan’s Kawasaki.

The reception was also attended by Assistant Minister of Sport Abdulilah bin Saad Al-Dalak, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal, and several ministry officials and leaders.

Prince Abdulaziz expressed his admiration at the outstanding performances delivered by the Al-Ahli players over the course of the tournament. He also praised the players’ commitment, competiveness and cohesiveness, which paved the way for ultimate victory.


Asian Glory for Al-Ahli with Champions League triumph

Updated 04 May 2025
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Asian Glory for Al-Ahli with Champions League triumph

  • Deserved win in front of 60,000 ecstatic fans at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium
  • First-half goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie did the damage

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli are the champions of Asia for the first time after a 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah on Saturday.

It was a deserved win in front of 60,000 ecstatic fans at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium as the green giants join local rivals Al-Ittihad as well as Al-Hilal in that exclusive club — Saudi Arabian champions of Asia.

First-half goals from Galeno, a beauty, and Franck Kessie did the damage and once Al-Ahli were ahead, they never looked like letting the trophy slip after being runners-up in 1986 and 2012. 

Roared on by the home fans who produced another stunning exhibition of tifos before kick-off and did not let the energy levels drop, the home team starting brightly. Ivan Toney turned smartly on the right corner of the penalty area in the fifth minute, and the England striker’s strong shot forced a flying save from Louis-Thebault Yamaguchi. Moments later, it was Ziyad Al-Johani in the air on the edge of the six-yard box but his shot was also blocked by the keeper.

It was not all one-way traffic, and Marcinho’s shot from the left went just wide of the opposite post. It seemed to spur Al-Ahli on, however, and they kept pushing forward. Toney, Ibanez and Galeno all had shots, although not enough to trouble the goalkeeper too much.

Al-Ahli were on top and just when it started to look like it could be a frustrating evening, Galeno produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball from Roberto Firmino outside the area, the Brazilian winger was given a little too much time and space. Even so, few expected the outcome — a perfect shot curled into the top corner to repay a considerable slice of that transfer fee paid to FC Porto in January.

For the five-time Japanese champions it was then crucial that they did not concede again before the break but that is exactly what happened. Firmino crossed from the right and there was former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder Kessie to head home from close range. Kawasaki were shellshocked and desperately trying to stay in the game and not fall even further behind.

Their best chance came just before the hour. A cross from the left went all the way to the far post and perhaps Sai van Wermeskerken should have done better with the header but it went high and wide. 

Al-Ahli were able to sit back and then look to break and cause problems. Riyad Mahrez, with nine goals already in the tournament, shot just wide from the edge of the area and it was all looking too comfortable for his side.

Kawasaki could not create clear chances with only Tatsuya Ito, scorer of a stunner in that 3-2 semi-final win over Al-Nassr on Wednesday, causing a few nerves among the home ranks. He shot just wide from the edge of the area with 15 minutes remaining and then came closer soon after, making a little space for himself outside Toney on the right side of the area and firing just across the face of goal.

That was as good as it got. It was a professional performance from Al-Ahli who never looked like letting their two-goal lead slip. It was a deserved win on the night and also the tournament, finishing as the only unbeaten team throughout the group and knockout stages.

The celebrations at the final whistle may well have been heard in Riyadh but the message has certainly been sent loud and clear to the rest of Asia: Al-Ahli are the new champions of the world’s biggest continent and it looks like there is more to come.