According to reports, Stefano Pioli, the Italian coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, held a fiery meeting with his players to discuss their upcoming challenges.

Al-Nassr is preparing to face Al-Ittihad in the 30th round of the Saudi Pro League next Wednesday.

This meeting followed Al-Nassr’s disappointing elimination from the AFC Champions League semifinals, where they lost to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. The Japanese team was later defeated by Al-Ahli in the final.

Saudi newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” reported details of the meeting, quoting Pioli as telling his players: “Either we surrender after this defeat and elimination from Asia, or we rise and fight until the last moment for our remaining hope in the league.”

Al-Nassr currently sits third in the Saudi Pro League table with 60 points, just two points behind second-placed Al-Hilal and eight behind leaders Al-Ittihad.

Pioli emphasized to his players: “We still have hope, even if it’s small, to compete for the league title and stay at the top of the table.”

The Italian coach also criticized his players for their Asian exit, saying: “We made many mistakes that cost us the game… Losing in the semifinals is always difficult.”