Vising explains why Rios was moved into defence for Al-Ittihad

Jens Vising says Al-Ittihad’s decision to use Colombia midfielder Richard Rios at centre-back against Al-Diriyah was a tactical necessity rather than a lack of trust in the club’s younger defenders.

Al-Ittihad recorded a 2-0 victory over Al-Diriyah at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Friday, in the 11th round of the Roshn Saudi League. Rios moved into central defence after half-time, when Saad Al-Mousa was replaced by Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy.

Al-Mousa had only recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off and had been booked during the match. Vising said he did not want to risk keeping the defender on the pitch.

“Saad Al-Mousa has just returned from a very long injury and played really well, but I had to substitute him because of the yellow card,” Vising told reporters at his post-match news conference, in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

“I did not want to take a risk with him.”

The German manager said Rios’s deployment at the back should not be viewed as a permanent change or as a criticism of the young players in his squad.

“The fact that Richard Rios played as a centre-back does not mean that I do not trust the young players,” he said. “It was a sensitive moment, and that does not mean I will always rely on him there. I have to find solutions.”

Vising was also asked whether Al-Ittihad had struggled defensively because of the absence of Hassan Kadesh, who is injured. He rejected the suggestion that the team had been under pressure.

“Al-Diriyah did not threaten us at any moment in today’s match,” he said.

The manager was then questioned about whether Mukhtar Ali could establish himself alongside Rios in midfield ahead of Lopy. Vising said his selections would continue to depend on the demands of each fixture.

“It is a difficult question. We make decisions according to the circumstances of the match,” he said.

He added that Al-Ittihad had several alternatives in the number six position, including Ali, Lopy, Rios, Mohamed Flatah and Ahmed Al-Ghamdi.

“We have several options in the number six position, such as Mukhtar Ali, Dion Lopy, Richard Rios and Mohamed Flatah,” said Vising. “Even Ahmed Al-Ghamdi can play there because he is an intelligent player.”

“Six players are capable of playing here. I cannot say that one partnership is better than another. We have variety, and they have played well before. I choose the best option for each match.”

Vising was pleased with both the result and his side’s display, particularly given the tight schedule.

“I am happy with the performance, the result and the victory,” he said. “It was a deserved win at home, in a match with a particular character because of the schedule and the limited time.”

He added that scoring first allowed Al-Ittihad to manage the game more carefully.

“We preserved some energy after scoring the first goal and kept a clean sheet. We had several chances, and if we had converted them, things would have been easier.”

The victory moved Al-Ittihad to 23 points and fourth place in the Saudi league table, keeping the club close to the title race.