In a tactical move aimed at correcting the team's course and restructuring its strategy, Al-Ittihad's Portuguese manager, Sergio Conceição, has submitted a formal and specific request to the club's management. This request includes the necessity of signing local players for the center-back and midfield positions during the current winter transfer window. This request comes as a proactive step to address the technical weaknesses the team suffered during the first half of the season. The Portuguese coach seeks to strengthen the bench and create healthy competition between the starting players and substitutes to ensure continued competitiveness.
Defensive reinforcements and the return of migratory birds
Conceição's desire to bolster the defense and midfield stems from a statistical analysis of the team's performance. Al-Ittihad has conceded 16 goals in 12 matches, a high rate for a team competing for titles and aiming for a spot in Asian competitions. In a swift response to the coaching staff's vision, Al-Ittihad's management recently announced the termination of the loan deals for young duo Farha Al-Shamrani and rising star Talal Hajji, officially bringing them back to the team from Al-Riyadh. The return of Talal Hajji, in particular, is a significant boost to Al-Ittihad's attack, given the considerable potential he has demonstrated with Saudi Arabia's youth national teams, thus providing the coach with broader tactical options in attack.
A crucial match against Al-Khulud to improve the rankings
On the field, Al-Ittihad faces a crucial test when they travel to face Al-Kholoud at 8:30 PM this Friday, in the 14th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is of paramount importance to the Tigers, as a victory is essential to return to the top four and close the gap with the league leaders.
The Union placed in the Roshan League schedule
Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place in the standings with 23 points from 12 games, having scored 23 goals and conceded 16. The coaching staff and players are aware that dropping more points could jeopardize the team's chances of winning the title or even qualifying for the AFC Champions League. Therefore, this match against Al-Kholoud is a crucial turning point for the second half of the season, one that will satisfy the high expectations of Al-Ittihad's passionate fanbase.
