The Al-Ettifaq team is preparing to face Al-Qadisiyah in the 27th round of the Saudi Professional League, as players have returned to training after the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Coach Saad Al-Shahri is opening the match file amid significant challenges facing the team.
Al-Ettifaq played its first friendly match against Al-Batin, one of the first division teams, achieving a convincing victory with a score of 4-1. The team will also face another friendly match against Al-Fateh next Monday, as part of the preparations for the anticipated Eastern Derby.
Match Details
Coach Saad Al-Shahri is closely monitoring the players' readiness to participate in the upcoming match, with French player Moussa Dembélé shining by scoring two goals against Al-Batin. Additionally, both South African Mohau Nkhota and Egyptian Ahmed Hegazi contributed with one goal each in the closed friendly match.
After the team's declining performance in recent matches, Al-Ettifaq is striving to regain its winning rhythm to reach sixth place in the standings, which could open doors for participation in the upcoming Gulf Champions League. However, securing a continental spot in the AFC Champions League seems increasingly difficult.
Background & Context
Al-Ettifaq has only managed to secure one point in its last four matches, causing it to drop to seventh place with 39 points. Although the team remains close to Al-Ittihad, which is ahead by three points, the financial challenges facing the club complicate its situation.
Current efforts are focused on achieving the best possible position in the league after an early exit from the King’s Cup, as the club hopes for technical stability under the leadership of coach Saad Al-Shahri. Nevertheless, the future remains unclear regarding his position with the team, despite indications to retain him for a new season.
Impact & Consequences
The pressure on coach Al-Shahri is increasing amid the financial crisis the club is experiencing, affecting preparations for the new season. Additionally, the absence of some international players due to their national team commitments further complicates matters, with the return of the quartet Khalid Al-Ghanam, goalkeeper Marek Rodak, midfielder Ondrej Duda, and defender Jack Hendry expected at the beginning of April.
All eyes are on the upcoming Eastern Derby scheduled for April 5 at the Igloo Stadium of Al-Ettifaq, where ticket sales have commenced, but the sales movement has not met expectations in the initial phase.
Regional Significance
Derby matches in the Saudi league are among the most prominent sporting events that capture the attention of fans, reflecting the intense competition between clubs. Al-Ettifaq's performance in this match underscores the importance of regaining confidence and achieving positive results to enhance its standing in the league.
In conclusion, the future of coach Saad Al-Shahri remains uncertain, as current circumstances require decisive actions to ensure the team's stability and achieve the desired goals.