Fahad Al-Harifi tells Al Nassr to forget AFC Champions League Elite ambitions

Former Al Nassr midfielder Fahad Al-Harifi says the club cannot realistically challenge for the AFC Champions League Elite with its current squad and must strengthen significantly before pursuing major honours.

Al-Harifi believes domestic success is a more attainable target for Al Nassr this season, highlighting weaknesses in the squad and warning that a long competition such as the AFC Champions League Elite requires stronger alternatives in every position.

Speaking on the television programme Dawryna Ghair, Al-Harifi said Al Nassr needed to sign a left-back and urged supporters to lower their continental expectations.

“Al Nassr need to sign a left-back. I am not being pessimistic as much as being realistic. I hope Al Nassr win the Saudi Super Cup and then the league, but I tell the fans: forget the AFC Champions League Elite,” he said.

He also questioned some of the club’s recruitment decisions, including the decision to allow Marcelo Brozovic to leave while signing Samuel Costa.

“A long competition is difficult with the current team and without reinforcements. If Kingsley Coman returns, we will compete with Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal, but the team has many needs and must be strengthened,” Al-Harifi added.

The former Al Nassr player said his comments were not intended to discourage the club’s supporters. Instead, he argued that a realistic assessment of the squad should determine the team’s ambitions for the season.

“With the current names, if Al Nassr win the Super Cup, their season will be successful and excellent,” he said.

The Saudi Super Cup will be held in Kuwait from 19 to 23 December 2026, with Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Kholood taking part.

The draw has paired Al Nassr with Al Kholood on 20 December, while Al Ahli will face Al Qadsiah on 19 December. Both matches will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

If Al Nassr reach the final on 23 December, they will face the winner of the other semi-final and would be two victories away from lifting the trophy.

Al-Harifi was also strongly critical of Al Ahli head coach Marino Pusic. He claimed the Dutchman had failed to meet the expectations of the club’s supporters and questioned some of his selection decisions.

“He does not satisfy the ambitions of Al Ahli’s fans and has not done enough to justify his position at the club. He plays players who do not deserve to play, so he must correct the situation or leave,” Al-Harifi said.