# Abha Faces Critical Survival Stretch in Saudi Pro League The club must navigate five high-stakes matches in 22 days to escape relegation. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b755e28b-ea17-419b-84a7-dbd263b50d16 ## Strategic Coaching Decision Abha has officially decided to retain Croatian manager Teo Beriga for the remainder of the season. This move aims to stabilize the squad during a critical period, shifting the focus from managerial changes to the urgent task of escaping the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League standings. ## Intense Schedule Ahead The team faces a grueling stretch of five matches within just 22 days following the current break. The sequence begins against Al-Shabab on November 26, followed by Al-Taawoun on December 3, a rescheduled match against Al-Kholood on December 7, Al-Riyadh on December 10, and finally Al-Hilal on December 17. ## Current League Standing Abha currently sits at the bottom of the table in 18th place. The team has managed to collect only three points from three draws, while suffering eight defeats across 11 matches. They are still searching for their first victory of the season, making every upcoming point absolutely vital for survival. ## Signs of Improvement Despite the poor record, the team showed relative improvement in their most recent outing against Al-Ittihad. Under the guidance of new coach Teo Beriga, who replaced Damir Buric, the squad managed to secure a 1-1 draw, providing a small glimmer of hope for the difficult fixtures that lie ahead. ## Physical Readiness Challenge The primary challenge for the coaching staff is transforming recent performance improvements into tangible results. With matches scheduled in such close proximity, the team must prioritize the recovery of injured players and elevate the overall physical and technical readiness of the squad to compete against top-tier league opponents. ## Beyond Managerial Changes The upcoming phase represents a test that extends far beyond the identity of the head coach. The club must demonstrate the capacity to narrow the points gap with direct competitors and restore their chances of remaining in the professional league, regardless of the tactical adjustments made by the technical staff. ## Historical Context of Relegation Relegation battles in the Saudi Pro League are notoriously unforgiving, often decided by narrow margins in the final rounds. Historically, teams that fail to secure points during mid-season clusters find it nearly impossible to recover. Abha’s current situation mirrors past struggles where early-season deficits create immense pressure on the squad. ## Tactical Adjustments Needed To survive, Beriga must implement a more defensive structure while maximizing counter-attacking opportunities. The team's inability to secure a win in 11 games suggests a lack of clinical finishing. Strengthening the transition from defense to attack will be essential during the upcoming 22-day period to secure necessary points. ## Impact of Player Injuries The squad's depth is currently being tested by several key injuries that have hampered performance throughout the season. The medical team's ability to clear these players for the upcoming five matches is a critical factor. Without a full-strength roster, the team will struggle to maintain intensity over such a short duration. ## Pressure on Senior Players The responsibility now falls on the team's veteran players to lead by example during this high-pressure stretch. Their experience in managing match tempos and handling the psychological burden of a relegation fight will be pivotal. Leadership on the pitch is required to ensure the team remains disciplined against tougher opponents. ## Importance of Home Advantage With the rescheduled match against Al-Kholood taking place at home, Abha must capitalize on local support. Securing points in home fixtures is the standard blueprint for survival in professional football. Failing to win these specific matches will significantly diminish the team's chances of climbing out of the bottom three. ## Defining the Season Outcome The next three weeks will likely define the trajectory of Abha's season. If the team fails to secure points against their direct rivals, the gap to safety may become insurmountable. This period is not just about points; it is a test of the club's resolve to remain in the top flight. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5339869 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._