Youssef En-Nesyri backed by Al-Ittihad coach after supporters boo striker

Youssef En-Nesyri has received strong backing from Al-Ittihad coach Jens Wissing after the Morocco striker was booed by supporters during the Saudi club’s latest victory.

En-Nesyri started the match but was substituted after 61 minutes without scoring or providing an assist. His departure was met with loud boos from sections of the Al-Ittihad crowd, who were unhappy with his attacking contribution.

The reaction came during a difficult period for the 29-year-old, who has also struggled to establish himself with Morocco in recent months.

The criticism was particularly noticeable as Steven Bergwijn delivered a more decisive performance in Al-Ittihad’s attacking play.

Despite the reaction from supporters, Wissing believes En-Nesyri continues to make an important contribution to the team. The German coach was quick to defend the striker and rejected the criticism surrounding his performances.

“One of my best players”

Wissing made his position clear when asked about the criticism directed at En-Nesyri.

“ Youssef En-Nesyri is one of my best players. Since I arrived, he has been among the best and I don’t care what the media or the public say about him ,” the German coach asserted.

He added: “He may lack success in front of goal, but he puts in a tremendous amount of effort and that’s very important to me.”

The coach’s comments come at a time when confidence around En-Nesyri appears fragile, despite the striker having scored three goals in seven appearances in all competitions since joining Al-Ittihad.

His contribution has therefore become a source of debate, with his lack of goals drawing attention despite Wissing’s belief that his overall work remains valuable to the team.

Two difficult years for En-Nesyri

The striker has experienced a challenging period in his career over the past two years.

At international level, En-Nesyri gradually lost his place under Walid Regragui before being left out of Mohamed Ouahbi’s plans. He subsequently did not feature at the 2026 World Cup.

His club career has also been unsettled. A series of changes affected his progress and eventually contributed to his departure from Fenerbahçe before he made a late move to Saudi Arabia.

Despite those difficulties, En-Nesyri remains an experienced centre-forward with a profile that continues to make him an important player for his coach.

Wissing appears prepared to give the Moroccan time to rediscover his confidence and form rather than allowing the criticism from supporters to influence his assessment of the striker.

For En-Nesyri, however, the strongest response will have to come on the pitch.

While Wissing has made it clear that he is not concerned by the criticism surrounding his player, the reaction from Al-Ittihad supporters suggests patience could be running out.