Saudi Arabia manager Giorgos Donis has endorsed Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing, saying the German has earned credit for his work despite the club’s disappointing results in recent matches.
Donis announced his final 30-man squad on Wednesday for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming training camp, which will include friendly internationals against South Korea and Uzbekistan on 13 and 17 November respectively.
Four Al-Ittihad players have been selected: left-back Fares Abdi, midfielders Mukhtar Ali and Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, and right-winger Marwan Al-Sahafi.
That represents an increase in Al-Ittihad’s contribution to the Saudi Arabia squad compared with the Gulf Cup 27 tournament, held during September and October. Donis selected only two players from the club for that competition, including Mukhtar Ali. Defender Hassan Kadesh was also involved but is absent from the current squad after suffering an injury during the previous international break.
The latest selections suggest Donis remains satisfied with the quality of Al-Ittihad’s performances, even though the side has failed to win either of its last two matches.
Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 with Abha in the Saudi Roshn Saudi League before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat by United Arab Emirates club Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Despite those results, Al-Ittihad sit fourth in the Saudi league with 24 points from 11 matches. Their record consists of seven wins, three draws and one defeat, with that loss coming against league leaders Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal are six points clear of Al-Ittihad at the top of the table.
The club’s position in Asia is less secure. Al-Ittihad are 10th in the West group of the AFC Champions League Elite, having collected four points from one victory and one draw, while losing two matches.
The fixture listings include Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Roshn Saudi League meeting with Neom on 06 November 2026. Saudi Arabia’s friendly against South Korea is scheduled for 13 November 2026, with Uzbekistan also due to face Donis’ side during the same international camp.
The increased number of Al-Ittihad players in the national squad provides support for Wissing’s standing within the team, despite the recent draw against Abha and defeat by Al Ain.
