Brendan Rodgers' new chapter in Saudi football has been praised by Italy striker Mateo Retegui, who called the Al Qadsiah manager a 'wonderful man' as his team prepares to face Northern Ireland in a World Cup play-off semi-final. The match, set for Thursday night at Atalanta's New Balance Stadium in Bergamo, marks a significant moment for both teams as they vie for a place in the final of the play-off round. Retegui, an Argentine-born forward who joined the Saudi Pro League this summer for £55 million, has expressed admiration for Rodgers' leadership and success since his arrival in December. The former Celtic and Liverpool manager has led Al Qadsiah to a strong start, securing 14 wins and three draws in his first 17 matches, propelling the club into title contention. Retegui highlighted Rodgers' impact, stating that the team has not lost a game under his guidance and that their collaboration has been marked by mutual respect and a positive rapport. The Italian national team, managed by Rino Gattuso, faces a crucial test against Northern Ireland, a match that could determine their path to the World Cup finals in North America. The winners of this tie will face the victors of the Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina clash, with the final four teams set to compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Retegui's comments come amid a tense atmosphere in the play-off group, where Bosnia-Herzegovina's head coach Sergej Barbarez recently apologized to Brondby manager Steve Cooper after accusing him of deliberately dropping a midfielder in a draw to harm his side's chances.#mateo_retegui #rino_gattuso #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #atalanta_new_balance_stadium
Italy v Northern Ireland: Rodgers 'a wonderful man' - Italy striker Retegui - BBC Sport Italy striker Mateo Retegui has praised Brendan Rodgers, his manager at Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, calling him a "wonderful man" ahead of Italy's World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. The match, set for Thursday in Bergamo, is a crucial step for Italy as they aim to secure a spot in the finals for the third consecutive time. Rodgers, who previously coached Liverpool, Leicester City, and Celtic, is also the manager of Northern Ireland, adding a personal dimension to the clash. Retegui, 26, emphasized his positive relationship with Rodgers, noting that the manager has been instrumental in the team's success since joining the club in December. "Ever since Brendan came to the club, I don't think we've lost a game," Retegui said. "We've won 14 and drawn three. I speak a great deal with him, and I have a wonderful rapport with Brendan." He also dismissed any suggestions of tension, stating there was no ill-feeling with Rodgers despite the personal connection. The Italian forward addressed rumors that Rodgers had joked about wanting Italy to lose to Northern Ireland, clarifying that the manager had only wished him the best of luck. "He's a wonderful man, a top coach, and he's already proven that at all the clubs he's worked for," Retegui said. "When I go back, we'll have another chat." The winner of Thursday's match will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final play-off round, with the victor earning a place in the World Cup finals. The tournament will feature co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, creating a challenging path for the advancing team. Italy has struggled to qualify for recent World Cups, missing out on the last two tournaments after shock play-off defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia.#italy #world_cup #mateo_retegui #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers
Mateo Retegui has made a strong impression in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Qadsiah last summer, with his performances drawing attention from both domestic and international football circles. The Argentine striker, who previously won the Serie A top scorer title, has become a key figure for Brendan Rodgers’ side, playing as the first-choice forward in the club’s 3-5-2 formation. His partnership with Mexican teammate Julian Quinoes has been a focal point of Al Qadsiah’s attacking strategy, and Retegui’s ability to consistently find the net has solidified his status as one of the league’s top scorers. In his 25 appearances for the club, Retegui has netted 15 goals, placing him among the league’s elite strikers. His tally matches that of notable players like João Félix, Yannick Carrasco, and Ramiro Enrique, though he trails behind leaders such as Ivan Toney, Julian Quinones, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Saudi Pro League, however, has faced interruptions due to the ongoing situation in Iran, leading to a temporary suspension of matches. This pause has allowed Retegui to focus on his national team duties, where he continues to play a pivotal role under Italy manager Rino Gattuso. Retegui’s contributions to the Italian squad have been significant, with the striker scoring five goals and providing four assists in the last six qualifiers since Gattuso took charge. His form has earned him regular call-ups, positioning him as the Azzurri’s top scorer in recent international fixtures. Despite his success, the player remains a target in the transfer market, with rumors linking him to Milan. These rumors suggest that informal discussions between Retegui and the Rossoneri had already begun before his move to Saudi Arabia.#cristiano_ronaldo #mateo_retegui #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #julian_quinoes
Italy National Team Striker Mateo Retegui Expresses Excitement Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Against Northern Ireland Mateo Retegui, the Italian-Argentinian striker, addressed the media on the eve of Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, emphasizing the team’s readiness for the high-stakes match. The game, set to take place in Bergamo, marks the first play-off round in the UEFA World Cup qualification campaign. A victory would secure Italy’s place in the decisive tie against the winner of the Wales-Bosnia matchup on June 30. Retegui, who arrived in Italy a week early, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge. “I’m really looking forward to playing a match like this. The whole team is ready,” he said, highlighting the collective determination to prove their readiness for the tournament. He revealed that his early arrival in Italy was arranged with manager Rino Gattuso, who supported his decision to train at Coverciano. “I’ve been thinking about this match ever since the one against Norway,” Retegui added, underscoring his focus on the upcoming fixture. The striker praised the support of the Bergamo fans, noting the stadium’s atmosphere as a key factor in the team’s performance. “We need to stay calm, do what we’ve been doing in training, and go out there to win the match. There’s no other result than victory,” he insisted. Retegui also expressed admiration for teammate Pio Esposito, calling him a “great player” and emphasizing the team’s unity. “We’re one big family,” he said, dismissing any notion of rivalry among players. Retegui reflected on his emotional connection to representing Italy, calling it “the most important thing that’s ever happened in my life.#bergamo #northern_ireland #mateo_retegui #italy_national_team #rino_gattuso
