Al-Ettifaq's first football team returns to action in the Saudi Professional League with a tough match against Al-Riyadh, in the highly anticipated encounter that will take place as part of the eleventh round of the competition. The match will be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (Al-Malaz). This game comes at a crucial time for the Dammam-based club, who are striving to regain their footing in the league standings.
Historical challenges and ambitions to return to the forefront
Al-Ettifaq is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, boasting a rich history as the first Saudi team to win an international title. However, the competition in the Saudi Professional League has taken on a different character in recent years with the rise in the league's market value and the presence of a host of international stars. Al-Ettifaq enters the match against Al-Riyadh seeking more than just three points; they aim to restore their prestige and get back on track, especially since the team currently sits in ninth place, a position that falls short of the ambitions of the "Commandos" fans and the level of investment and fan support enjoyed by the Eastern Province club.
A defensive crisis is troubling Saad Al-Shehri
Al-Ettifaq is suffering from a clear points drought, having managed only three wins in recent rounds (against Al-Fayha, Damac, and Al-Kholoud), along with three draws and three losses. The biggest problem lies in the defense, where the team has conceded 18 goals in nine rounds, averaging two goals per game. This statistic reflects a clear defensive fragility that is causing concern within the club and places a heavy responsibility on the coaching staff to find urgent solutions before it's too late.
Taking advantage of the international pause and renewing confidence
National team coach Saad Al-Shehri made intensive use of the recent international break, working to reorganize the team's tactics and correct the errors that surfaced in the early rounds, particularly after the heavy 5-0 defeat against Al-Hilal. The team played friendly matches to implement new tactical approaches aimed at strengthening their defense. For its part, the club's management reaffirmed its full confidence in Al-Shehri, confirming his continued role and supporting him in achieving the necessary technical stability to return to competing for top positions.
Winter transfer plan: Retaining key players and searching for a striker
With the winter transfer window approaching, the outlines of Al-Ettifaq's plan are becoming clearer. Saad Al-Shehri has made a firm decision to reject the departure of any of the team's key players, specifically the duo Khalid Al-Ghannam and Mukhtar Ali, despite interest from rival clubs. The coach confirmed that the door is closed for any player to leave until the end of the season in order to maintain the team's core.
In contrast, the club's management has made strengthening the attack a top priority this winter, especially after the deal for Jordanian striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who plays for Al-Arabi of Qatar, fell through due to his cruciate ligament injury. The management, in coordination with the coaching staff, is working to sign a prolific striker and players in other positions to fill the gaps, fulfilling the ambitions of the management, who have instructed Al-Shehri to secure a qualifying spot for continental competitions (the AFC Champions League) next season.
Agreement figures in the Roshan League this season
- Number of matches: 9 matches
- Points: 12 points
- Ranking: Ninth place
- Victories: 3
- Draws: 3
- Defeats: 3
- Goals scored: 13 goals
- Goals conceded: 18 goals
