New Al Ittihad boss Jens Wissing hails ‘very easy’ decision to join after winning start

German coach Jens Wissing says it was “very easy” to accept the Al Ittihad job after feeling immediate backing from everyone at the Saudi club, following a 3-2 victory in his first friendly in charge.

The new head coach oversaw a hard-fought win over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in Al Ittihad’s opening pre-season match at their external training camp in Marbella, Spain.

Wissing, speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel after the match, highlighted the support he has received since arriving and the positive atmosphere within the squad.

“It was easy to join because we got a lot of support and help from all the people around the team, so it was very easy for us,” the German said.

‘Very good feeling’ inside the squad

Wissing, who has signed a two-year contract running until 2028, said the first weeks of his tenure have reinforced his belief that he made the right choice.

“We feel very good to be with this team, it’s a very good group,” he explained. “I feel very good positive energy, the last two weeks went very well.”

The coach emphasised that his early work has focused on building intensity and structure in training, with players already showing visible progress.

“We already had a lot of very good training sessions, the players are improving a lot, and I already see a big step forward,” he said.

Encouraging signs in first friendly

Reflecting on the 3-2 win over Orlando Pirates, Wissing struck a measured tone, welcoming the positives while stressing that the team remains a work in progress.

“The first match was very good for us,” he said. “Of course not everything is perfect, and it cannot be, but there are already a lot of positives.”

He praised his squad’s willingness to translate his ideas from the training ground into match situations.

“The players are trying to apply things in a practical way, whether what we talk about or what we do in training, so now I can say that I am satisfied,” Wissing added.

The friendly in Marbella marks the beginning of Al Ittihad’s preparations for the new Saudi Pro League season, with Wissing tasked with reshaping a side that failed to win any trophies in the last campaign.

Replacing Conceicao after trophyless season

Wissing’s appointment comes after the departure of Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, who was dismissed at the end of a disappointing season in which Al Ittihad did not secure any silverware.

The German has been brought in to oversee a new phase for the Jeddah-based club, which has been under intense scrutiny amid high expectations domestically and in Asia.

With a multi-year contract in place and a pre-season camp off to a winning start, Wissing appears keen to build on what he describes as a strong foundation of support, energy and early improvement within the squad.

His early comments suggest a focus on gradual progress rather than instant transformation, but the tone from Marbella is one of optimism as Al Ittihad attempt to move on from last season’s frustrations under new leadership.