You’re Fired Soon: A Stark Warning for Al-Ittihad’s Awaited Coach

Before officially taking charge, the long-awaited Al-Ittihad coach finds himself under intense pressure as he enters a critical phase of the season.

The club parted ways with French coach Laurent Blanc after a 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr in the fourth round, a decision that sent shockwaves through fans and the board.

Yet the defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, a 1-0 result on Tuesday in the second round of the Elite Asia Elite Cup, kept the crisis burning and raised questions about the plan going forward.

Options for the coach

In the media, several names have been floated as possible permanent successors, with German Jurgen Klopp reportedly at the top of many lists, followed by Italian Luciano Spalletti, Spaniard Xavi, Portuguese Sergio Conceicao, and Spanish coach Unai Emery. Each name brings a different style and personality to the table, and the choice will signal the club's direction for the coming years.

However, nothing has been decided yet. The club has appointed Hassan Khalifa as caretaker while discussions continue, underscoring the urgency but also the caution with which management is approaching the decision. Analysts like Khaled Al-Shinef have warned that October’s calendar could decide the fate of the new coach before a single kickoff at home.

Hoping for a steady hand, the club’s board is weighing a plan that balances ambition with practicality, aiming to avoid a situation where another quick change leads to a revolving door on the bench.

October challenges

Meanwhile, the atmosphere remains tense among supporters as the calendar shows a packed October. The team will face tough league fixtures against the big rivals and a demanding Asian schedule that could decide the trajectory of the season.

Analysts say the next coach will be judged quickly, and the fear is that a series of negative results could accelerate calls for a change in leadership, both on the bench and in the boardroom. Hamad Al-Montashri, a former star, echoed the sentiment that discipline and a clear plan can still turn this around if the coach brings authority and cohesion.

Public and management pressure

Fans have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the club's direction, arguing that the issue is not only the coach but also the team's mental drive and how the squad is utilized on matchday. Some insist the squad contains world-class names that simply need a clearer plan and better execution.

Meanwhile, the management — led by President Fahd Sandi — is under pressure to act decisively, whether that means enforcing discipline among star players or making tough calls about which players fit the project in the long term. Without firm leadership, the next coach may inherit the same problems that toppled his predecessor.

As the month unfolds, all eyes are on how the administration and the new coach will reset expectations, rebuild confidence, and set clear aims, be it a strong domestic run or a serious push in Asia.

Punchline 1: If precision were a weapon, Al-Ittihad’s plan would be a sniper’s dream—one perfect pass and the goalposts vanish.

Punchline 2: October fixtures are so sharp the bench might need a parachute—down goes the smile, up goes the scoreline.