Waleed Al-Farraj says Al-Ittihad are restoring pride and belief after Al-Faisaly win

Waleed Al-Farraj has praised Al-Ittihad’s 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly in round seven of the Roshn Saudi League, saying the result has challenged the expectations surrounding the club before the season began.

Al-Ittihad had been tipped by some to become little more than “guest of honour” in the competition, with criticism of the club’s management expected to follow. However, Al-Farraj said the players had refused to allow that prediction to affect them and were beginning to restore the standing of “the Tigers”.

“When Al-Ittihad win, the mood is high,” Al-Farraj said on the programme Rotana Sport with Waleed, describing the sense of happiness created among the club’s supporters whenever the team records a victory.

He said the team’s response to the doubts raised before the campaign had come on the pitch rather than through words.

“The expectation was that they would be guest of honour this season and that criticism of the management would begin, but the players refused to surrender to frustration,” he said.

The win over Al-Faisaly was Al-Ittihad’s latest positive result and, according to Al-Farraj, could provide the confidence needed to sustain their progress.

“Winning brings winning,” the Saudi media personality added, highlighting the role successive victories can play in building momentum and belief within the squad.

Al-Farraj also said the club’s recent results had given renewed hope to its supporters, describing Al-Ittihad as restoring belief among what he called “the biggest stand in the Kingdom”.

“Al-Ittihad is restoring hope to the biggest stand in the Kingdom,” he said, reflecting the impact of the team’s improved performances on fans who had begun to regain confidence in its ability to compete.

He expects that renewed optimism to be reflected in the attendance for Al-Ittihad’s next match.

“I expect the fans to return as usual for the first match at Alinma Stadium,” Al-Farraj said.

The prediction comes after Al-Ittihad secured three points against Al-Faisaly, winning 3-1 and raising expectations among supporters following a result that changed the mood around the club.

Al-Farraj ended his comments with a personal message about his connection to Al-Ittihad.

“I love Al-Ittihad… and there is a long history between us,” he said, underlining his longstanding association with the club and his particular affection for the team.