Jens Wissing credits spirit and sacrifice as Al-Ittihad edge past Al-Qadsiah

Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing said “spirit, sacrifice and responsibility” were behind his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, while refusing to discuss questions about Moussa Diaby’s future or a possible move for Al Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour.

Al-Ittihad secured their first win of the Saudi Pro League season on Friday evening, defeating Al-Qadsiah at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam during the second round of fixtures.

The result came despite Al-Ittihad being reduced to 10 men after Dion Lopy was sent off at the start of the second half. Wissing said his players showed the character required to protect their lead and claim all three points against one of the strongest teams in the country.

“It was a difficult match, and there was a great deal of pressure on us,” Wissing told reporters at his post-match news conference, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. “Our players performed with courage and sacrifice until the end.”

Asked what had made the difference, the German coach highlighted the determination of his squad and the identity of the club.

“When the spirit is present, the great Al-Ittihad appears a club with a rich history of trophies,” he said. “That is what we always want.”

Wissing added that his players had remained united against a high-quality opponent and had accepted their responsibilities, particularly after Lopy’s dismissal.

“We are a big team, and we faced one of the best teams in the Kingdom,” he said. “We made our presence felt because everyone worked hard, made an effort and took responsibility, especially after our player Dion Lopy was sent off at the beginning of the second half.”

The manager then appeared frustrated when questions moved away from the match and towards transfer issues surrounding the club. French winger Moussa Diaby has been linked with a return to Bayer Leverkusen, while Al-Ittihad have also been associated with a possible deal for Imam Ashour, the Egypt international and Al Ahly midfielder.

Wissing declined to comment on either matter, insisting that the focus should remain on the result and the effort produced by his players.

“I will not talk about anything outside the match on this happy night for the Al-Ittihad supporters,” he said. “Things at Al-Ittihad are not only about tactics; they are also about the spirit, sacrifice and effort of the players.”

The victory lifted Al-Ittihad to four points from their opening two matches and placed them fourth in the Saudi Pro League table. They had begun the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al-Kholood in the opening round.

The three points therefore represented Al-Ittihad’s first league victory of the current season, although the side had to withstand sustained pressure and play the closing stages with 10 men before securing the narrow win.