Al-Ittihad move fourth as Wissing highlights character after Al-Qadsiah victory

German coach Jens Wissing said Al-Ittihad’s determination and collective spirit were decisive as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

The match was played on Friday evening at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, with Al-Ittihad claiming their first victory of the season in the second round of the competition.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Wissing said his players had coped with intense pressure and continued to fight until the final whistle.

“It was a difficult match, and there was a lot of pressure on us. Our players performed with courage and sacrifice until the end,” he said, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

Asked what had made the difference, Wissing pointed to the identity and history of the Jeddah club.

“When the spirit is present, the great Al-Ittihad appears – a club with a rich history of winning titles. That is what we always want,” he said.

Wissing added that Al-Ittihad had shown their strength against one of the leading teams in Saudi Arabia, while also praising the contribution of the entire squad.

“We are a big team, and we faced one of the best teams in the Kingdom. We made our voice heard because everyone worked, made an effort and took responsibility, especially after our player Dion Lopy was sent off at the start of the second half,” he said.

The coach was also visibly unhappy when asked about matters away from the match, including the future of French winger Moussa Diaby.

Diaby is edging closer to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, while Wissing was also questioned about a possible deal for Al Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour.

The German declined to discuss either issue, insisting that the result and the effort shown by his players should remain the focus after a significant victory for Al-Ittihad.

“I will not talk about anything outside the match on this happy night for the people of Al-Ittihad. What exists at Al-Ittihad is not only about football tactics, but also the spirit, sacrifice and effort of the players,” he said.

The victory lifted Al-Ittihad to four points and fourth place in the Saudi Pro League table. They had begun their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al-Kholood in the opening round.

Al-Ittihad were able to hold on for the points despite the dismissal of Lopy early in the second half, making the result particularly valuable as they attempt to build momentum in the new season.

For Wissing, the performance offered an early example of the resilience and responsibility he expects from his squad, while questions over Diaby and the potential arrival of Ashour remain unanswered.