Saudi coach praises Spain as he comes under fire for defeat

Coach of the Saudi national football team Frank Rijkaard has sung praises for the Spanish side after the World and European champions defeated his team 5-0 at a friendly match Friday, according to online sports news site Goal.com.

"This Spanish team has been impressing the entire footballing world. I have never seen a national team play as well as Spain," Rijkaard told reporters. "Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta are among the best players in the world. They can be decisive in any team they play for,” he said.

Back in Saudi Arabia, the Dutch coach, who previously managed Spanish club FC Barcelona, has been hurled with criticism on his managerial skills.

Saudi local daily al-Riyadh suggested Sunday that the Dutchman’s stint at the country, which is seen as his time to mend, is sacrificing the team’s ambitions to progress in the football world.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2014 campaign was depleted following a 4-2 loss against Australia in a qualifying match on February 29.

Rijkaard began his contract on June 28, 2011, following a 2-year period managing Turkish league heavyweights, Galatasaray.