In a decisive statement, Fahad Sindi, chairman of Al-Ittihad Club, put an end to recent rumors about his potential resignation. Sindi confirmed, via the club's official account, his commitment to his position and his full dedication to leading the team through the upcoming period, despite the challenges the club has faced and its declining performance in domestic and continental competitions.
In his statement, Sindi said, “I haven’t considered resigning. Our plan is clear, and we’ve weathered storms and upheavals, but that doesn’t mean abandoning ship. We will continue working and we will persevere.” He added that differences of opinion within the board are normal and healthy, denying the existence of any fundamental disagreements that could hinder progress.
General context and challenges of the season
Sindi's statement comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, one of the oldest and largest clubs in Saudi Arabia, boasting a massive fan base. After an exceptional season in which they won the Saudi Professional League title, the club entered the current season with high expectations and ambitions, especially following high-profile international signings as part of the Saudi sports development project. These signings included French star Karim Benzema, his compatriot N'Golo Kanté, and Brazilian Fabinho. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, with the team suffering from inconsistent performances and a drop in the standings, sparking a wave of criticism and significant pressure from fans and the media on the management and coaching staff.
The hardest decision and a change of artistic direction
Fahad Sindi revealed that the most difficult decision he faced since assuming the presidency was replacing the previous coaching staff, led by French coach Laurent Blanc. He explained that this decision was not easy, but it was based on detailed technical reports from the club's sporting management. He continued, "The sporting management, led by Domingos Soares, informed me that the team's summer training camp fell short of expectations, and replacing Laurent Blanc was the most difficult decision I faced. We chose Conceição based on the list we had submitted." This decision reflects the immense pressure and the desire to quickly correct the team's course to maintain their chances of competing.
The importance of stability and its future impact
Domestically, Sindi's statements are seen as a message of stability directed at the club's fans and players, aiming to rebuild trust and unify the ranks behind the new management and coaching staff. In the world of football, administrative stability is the cornerstone of long-term success. On a broader level, the stability of major clubs like Al-Ittihad is a significant indicator of the maturity and strength of the Saudi Professional League project, which has garnered global attention. The ability of management to handle pressure and make decisive decisions while maintaining a forward-looking vision enhances the league's image as a professional environment that attracts top international talent. Sindi's continued presence means that the responsibility now rests entirely with the new coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, to restore the team to its rightful place and fulfill the aspirations of its fans.
