Al-Ittihad appointed German coach Jens Wissing on Friday to lead the club through 2028 [1].
The hiring marks a significant shift in leadership for the Saudi side as they seek to recover from a period of instability. After a season that failed to meet expectations, the club is pivoting toward a new tactical direction to regain its competitive edge in the region.
Wissing replaces Sergio Conceicao, who left the position after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign [2]. The transition comes as the club looks to capitalize on Wissing's recent success, specifically his role in Gamba Osaka's Asian triumph [1].
Al-Ittihad said the new manager is signed to a contract that runs until 2028 [1]. This multi-year commitment suggests the club is prioritizing long-term stability over short-term fixes, a departure from the frequent coaching changes often seen in the league.
The appointment follows a rigorous search for a leader capable of managing high-profile talent and implementing a disciplined system. By securing Wissing, the club aims to restore its standing and avoid the pitfalls that characterized the previous year's performance [2].
Club officials have not yet detailed the specific tactical changes Wissing will implement, but his arrival is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the squad's preparation and match-day execution [1].
“Al-Ittihad have appointed German coach Jens Wissing until 2028”
The appointment of Jens Wissing represents Al-Ittihad's attempt to pivot from a period of underperformance by importing a manager with proven success in Asian competition. By offering a contract through 2028, the club is signaling a desire for structural continuity to move past the failures of the 2025-26 season.
