Interview: Pioli on joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo's drive and first Capital Derby

Appointed last month as Al Nassr manager, Stefano Pioli will on Friday get his first taste of one of the standout fixtures in Saudi Arabian football: the Roshn Saudi League’s Capital Derby against Al Hilal.

Of course, the Italian is no stranger to white-hot city rivalries. Pioli has managed both Inter Milan and AC Milan, leading teams out in numerous Derby della Madonnina encounters at San Siro. That clash is renowned the world over as a marquee match-up of the beautiful game.

So, before Friday’s tussle at what will be a raucous Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, the middle match of three derbies in the RSL’s inaugural Derby Week, we caught up with Pioli to talk his decision to join Al Nassr, working with Cristiano Ronaldo and, of course, the titanic head-to-head against reigning champions Al Hilal.

What motivated you to accept this new challenge in your career, with Al Nassr?

“I was very happy when Al Nassr contacted me because I wanted to start a new experience, different from the 20 years of coaching I had in Italy. They convinced me because Al Nassr is an important club; they have ambitions.

“Because the management with whom I spoke, I felt trust, I felt they want to grow and want to improve. The fact that there is Cristiano in the team was also an important thing, and so I accepted very willingly with a lot of enthusiasm, with a great desire to be able to do well.”

How motivated are you to go as far as possible this season, and what are Al Nassr’s objectives?

“We are very motivated to try to be competitive, to try to win. Al Nassr is a big club, an historic club in Saudi Arabia. It is clear that we have very strong rivals, but we want to reach that level.”

How would you describe your coaching philosophy, and how has it evolved over the years?

“It is clear that since I started - that was 25 years ago - I have changed a lot. Every experience has taught me; every group. Every team is different; every player is different. My philosophy is to try to improve the players that I have available - this is the main objective.

“And then to create a work culture, to create a game mentality. To create, above all, the environment where we all try to give our best to always get more.”

What excites you most about experiencing the Capital Serby for the first time?

“It will be a great experience. We face a team that seems unbeatable, that seems invincible [Al Hilal lead the 2024-25 RSL with a 100 percent record through eight matchweeks, and are unbeaten in 44 games in the competition]. So, we will put ourselves to the test.”

Do you see the Capital Derby as a key moment in Al Nassr’s season, given its importance to the fans?

“For sure, it’s a very important game. Obviously, the standings could go one way or another based on the result. So, if we put together the importance of the match at an atmosphere level, and the importance of the match at the level of the standings, it is clear that it will be the most important match of this period. We will prepare ourselves the best way to be ready.”

You’ve coached in the Derby della Madonnina, which showcases one of the most iconic rivalries in world football. How do you expect the Capital Derby to compare?

“I don't know. Before judging, I have to live these emotions. It's clear that I have been hearing about it since I arrived. We expect a very warm atmosphere, very beautiful. Because those who play this sport can't wait to get on the pitch to face certain types of matches, with everything you feel in an important match. For sure, it will be a beautiful experience.”

How do you think the Roshn Saudi League can continue to grow and attract more international attention?

“It is growing a lot. Clubs are getting better and better structured. To develop their potential, both in terms of structure at the level of the individual sportsmen, but also to management and teams. The level of the players is certainly good and, therefore, there is everything to continue to grow to become an increasingly important championship.”

What has impressed you most so far about working with Cristiano Ronaldo?

“Of course, I have always thought that Cristiano is a great champion. But above all, a great professional with a great work ethic, a great culture of always trying to express oneself to the maximum. And, therefore, I am discovering a boy who is no longer young, but with the same enthusiasm, with the same passion.

“As when he was a kid, he wanted to do things in wanting to always try to give the best, to reach the maximum, to score many goals and help the team. So, definitely, a pleasant surprise.”

What do you enjoy most about Saudi culture, and how the people welcomed you so far?

“I am starting to discover it. Because I haven't been here long and at the beginning I did hotel [to] pitch, hotel [to] pitch, because there was a need to know many things. I am definitely meeting very, very polite and very respectful people. And this is a very, very positive thing for me.”

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