Brendan Rodgers praises 'fight and courage' as Al Qadsiah go top

Brendan Rodgers hailed Al Qadsiah's resilience and determination after his side battled to a 2-1 victory against Abha on Friday night to climb to the top of the Roshn Saudi League standings.

The result moved the title contenders into first place, albeit with several Matchweek 9 fixtures postponed, as Al Qadsiah continued their impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign.

And while Rodgers acknowledged there was room for improvement, the Al Qadsiah manager was delighted with his players' response to a demanding schedule that included a midweek AFC Champions League Elite trip to west Asia.

"It was a very good win," Rodgers said. "After travelling to Uzbekistan and having the long week that we've had, the players' attitude and mentality was very good in the game.

"A few other goals were a possibility, but we just didn't take the opportunity. However, when you play against a team that is fighting for a result, then that always can be a challenge.

"But I have to give huge credit to the players that started the game and the players that arrived into the game, and they helped us gain a very important three points."

Al Qadsiah collected all three points thanks to goals from Mateo Retegui - summer signing Tijjani Reijnders got another assist - and Mohammed Abu Al Shamat.

The hosts conceded late in stifling consitions Al Khobar through Alimami Gory, but held on to leapfrog Al Hilal at the summit.

With Al Qadsiah competing on multiple fronts, Rodgers stressed the importance of managing his squad through a congested fixture schedule, highlighting the decision to leave out reigning RSL golden boot Julian Quinones against Abha.

The former Liverpool and Celtic manager suggested rotation would remain central to his approach, with Al Qadsiah travelling to Al Taawoun on Tuesday before taking on champinship challengers Al Hilal three days later.

"What's most important at this stage of the season, with the games so close together, is that when you're winning the game, you show the fight and the courage and the determination to get the result," Rodgers said. "And we were able to do that.

"We've changed some players to play in the team. So, for example, tonight Quinones did not play, one of arguably the best strikers in the league. So on Tuesday night there will be some other players that may not play. This is, of course, the strategy."

Despite Abha's position at the foot of the table, Rodgers was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the visitors represented a straightforward assignment, particularly given the contrasting preparation time afforded to the two teams.

And, although Al Qadsiah have now gone top, the Northern Irishman insisted his side remain a work in progress.

"What's so important after a tough Champions League game, very small recovery, and then to play against a team – OK, they are at the bottom, but one, they have still good players, and two, they've had a long rest," Rodgers said.

"So we coped with that very, very well. But there are always things to improve, and we are certainly not the finished article. We will look to continue to build and improve as the season goes."