Faqihi Poised for a Defensive Reboot: Al Ittihad Eyes a Sharper Backline
16 November 2025
Maaz Faqihi Nears Return to Al Ittihad
Saudi club Al Ittihad is shoring up its defense as it approaches a busy stretch of the season in the Saudi Pro League, the Asian Champions League Elite, and domestic cup commitments.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadia, Maaz Faqihi, the 23-year-old defender, is close to rejoining the group for training as he nears the end of his rehabilitation program.
The Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao has penciled Faqihi into defensive options, especially given recent squad shortages and fixture congestion.
Faqihi moved from Al Hilal to Al Ittihad last summer, after a loan spell with Al Taawoun. He has appeared 16 times for the club, without a goal but with one assist.
His return comes as Al Ittihad heads into a period with matches on multiple fronts, starting with a clash against Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League and then an away game against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League Elite.
In late November, Al Ittihad meets Al Shabab in the King Cup quarterfinal, a competition the “Al-Ameed” are defending after advancing past Al Nassr in the prior round.
Conceicao is under pressure as the team has yet to record a league win under his tenure, with losses to Al Hilal and Al Ahli, and draws with Al Fayha and Al Khaleej; a dramatic rally against the latter produced a 4-4 draw, underscoring inconsistency in front of and behind the ball.
Scheduling revisions loom large
A new league-wide adjustment saw the timing of Al Ittihad's clash with Al Riyadh shifted multiple times—from 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm, then 6:15 pm after a fresh decision by the competition body. The timing changes were part of broader tweaks affecting several fixtures, including a later-cast derby for the following day.
Al Ittihad sits eighth in the table with 11 points, showing 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, a record that leaves room for improvement as the season unfolds.
Analysts point to a season marked by disruption: a mid-season coaching change to Conceicao, a tactical system demanding meticulous integration, and ongoing off-field issues that have unsettled dressing room chemistry. The club hopes a steadier defensive line, sparked by Faqihi's return, can help recapture last season’s identity amid growing distractions.
With a new coach and unsettled environment, Al Ittihad remains in pursuit of a sharper turnaround to re-enter the title race.
Punchline time: If timing were a player, the calendar would be on the bench with a yellow card for excessive clock running. Punchline two: Al Ittihad’s defense is practicing watchmaking—minute by minute, they’re getting closer to keeping time and keeping goals out in the same breath.
