Jens Wissing credits substitutions for Al-Ittihad’s 4-1 win over Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing said his substitutions helped secure a convincing 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq in the 10th round of the Saudi league on Tuesday.

The result moved Al-Ittihad to fourth place with 20 points, while Al-Ettifaq remain eighth on 15 points.

Speaking in comments reported by the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Wissing said the win was particularly important after his side had failed to win their previous two matches.

“I am pleased with the result and the emphatic victory, as well as the number of goals we scored and the way they came,” said the German coach. “We needed a positive result after stumbling in our last two matches, and we succeeded in getting the win.”

Al-Ittihad scored through Houssem Aouar, George Ilenikhena and Youssef En-Nesyri, who came off the bench to score twice.

Wissing admitted he was frustrated by his team’s continued failure to convert some straightforward chances, but said their attacking output was still a major positive.

“We are unhappy that we continue to miss easy opportunities,” he said. “But we also have to look at the positive side of the match, which was our ability to score and repeatedly reach the opponent’s goal.”

The manager said Al-Ettifaq had posed a significant challenge on home territory, making the scale of the victory and the number of chances created even more encouraging.

“We faced a strong team on its own ground, yet we managed to create many opportunities and produce a big result,” Wissing added. “These are positive aspects that we need to benefit from and build on in the coming matches, while continuing to work on making the most of our chances.”

He singled out the decision to introduce En-Nesyri as one of the changes that had worked particularly well. The striker made an immediate impact after coming on, scoring both of Al-Ittihad’s goals in the second half.

“En-Nesyri’s contribution was influential,” Wissing said. “It is a positive sign when a player comes on from the bench and provides this kind of addition to the team.”

Wissing also praised George Ilenikhena, who started the game and scored before being replaced because of fatigue.

“George played an excellent match and stood out,” he said. “The decision to take him off was because he was feeling tired. I brought En-Nesyri on in his place, and he made the most of his appearance by scoring two goals. That reflects the success of the change.”