‘I’m used to big crowds’ – Brendan Rodgers stunned by relegation-threatened side on Saudi debut after fan plea

Brendan Rodgers missed out on making a winning start to his tenure at Al Qadsiah as they drew 1-1 with Damac.

The former Celtic boss made his managerial debut in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, a week after being appointed as head coach.

Saudi Pro League YouTube

Al Qadsiah hosted Damac, who are winless and at risk of relegation, at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.

However, they went a goal down inside four minutes as Valentin Vada found the bottom corner with a low strike from outside the area.

Mateo Retegui brought Al Qadsiah level just before half-time with his effort from inside the box.

Damac were reduced to ten men for the final 11 minutes of normal time after Abdulrahman Al-Khaibre was shown a straight red card.

But Rodgers couldn’t guide his new club to a win, which would have sent them fourth in the table.

Rodgers makes request for Al Qadsiah fans

Speaking beforehand, the ex-Liverpool and Leicester City manager called for Al Qadsiah fans to show up in numbers for the match.

As per Transfermarkt, they have averaged around 5,280 fans at home matches in the Saudi Pro League this season.

“My message to the fans would be to come along and support the players,” Rodgers said, as quoted by The Scottish Sun.

“I am used to big crowds and it would be nice to see a large crowd for my first game.”

“My aim is to deliver a positive result with a strong performance,” he added.

Saudi Pro League YouTube

“I have been really impressed with the players’ mentality. It’s been excellent.

“I am so enthusiastic for my first game here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Al Qadsiah are seven points adrift of the Saudi Pro League top three.

Such a finish at the end of the season would hand them qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage.

Should Rodgers be in charge for the 2026/27 campaign, he could be set to work with Mohamed Salah.

talkSPORT understands Al Qadsiah are keen on signing the Egyptian international, among other Saudi clubs.

AFP

Salah’s future at Liverpool is uncertain after his bombshell interview but is set to remain at Anfield until the end of this season.

This comes after Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg in the Reds’ 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur last week.