Ahmed Atiif, the former Saudi star, delivered a sharp critique of Al-Ittihad's management over how they handled foreign players in the recent transfer window.
In televised remarks, he said the club leaned on sentiment, kept players who did not fit the squad, and failed to reinforce with strong signings.
He argued the team should have evaluated its players more rigorously and pursued solid additions, noting that treating themselves as champions without addressing gaps showed in their results in the Saudi Pro League and Asia's elite competition.
He also criticized the club for mishandling foreign contracts this season, insisting that Al-Ittihad should have marketed deals for Moussa Diaby and Houssam Aouar during the summer window.
He added that the management bears full responsibility for the team's results, particularly given issues around the foreign-born player policy and the lack of clear defensive solutions; he questioned why Diaby and Aouar's contracts were not marketed.
He argued that keeping experienced players Danilo Pereira and N'Golo Kanté could still be beneficial, and that Karim Benzema is exceptional but if there is a comparable foreign-born option, the high salary should be reconsidered to hit two birds with one stone.
He also believed there was room to market Diaby and Aouar and to bring in additional options; Diaby did not deliver the expected impact last season, and some argued his effect was not on par with other players such as Bergwijn.
What lies ahead after the break
The team faces a busy run of fixtures late in November, with a league trip to Riyadh and adjustments to kickoff times to fit television schedules.
Al-Ittihad sits eighth in the standings with around 11 points, earned through a mix of wins, draws, and losses. A tough test awaits against Al-Duhail in the Elite Asian competition, followed by a King’s Cup Round of 16 clash against Al-Shabab later in the month.
Diaby and Aouar: form and futures
Diaby began the season with a dip in form in goals, assists, and overall influence. Fans called for his sale and for new signings during the winter window after several appearances under former coach Laurent Blanc.
Since Sergio Conceiçao arrived, Diaby has regained form, contributing several goals and assists across league and Asian competitions.
He has produced important moments in recent matches, helping the team stay competitive in both domestic and continental play.
Aouar, despite an earlier standout spell that helped the club win domestic trophies, has seen a recent dip in form. Injury concerns and his European ambitions may have influenced his output. He remains a key creative figure for the squad under the current management.
Punchline 1: If emotions were players, this transfer season would be a romantic comedy without a proper goalkeeper. Punchline 2: Maybe the club needs a new scout, because their transfer list looks more like a plot twist than a lineup.
