Al-Ittihad faced another setback in the Saudi Pro League as they played to a draw against Al-Khaleej, officially ending their chances to compete for the third spot that qualifies for the AFC Champions League Elite. The match saw Al-Ittihad take the lead with a goal by Muhanad Al-Shanqeeti in the first half’s stoppage time, only for Al-Khaleej to equalize through Egyptian player Mohamed Sherif in the 81st minute. The game took place at the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, with Al-Ittihad now sitting in fifth place with 51 points, while Al-Khaleej secured their spot with 37 points. With tensions running high, the team’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, did not attend the post-match press conference for the second time in recent events, highlighting a challenging period for the coach amid the team’s struggle to secure a win in their last four league matches.
The draw against Al-Khaleej marks a disappointing outcome for Al-Ittihad, as they were unable to capitalize on their lead and secure a much-needed victory. The team’s early goal by Al-Shanqeeti seemed promising, but Al-Khaleej’s persistence paid off with Sherif’s equalizer, denying Al-Ittihad the opportunity to move up in the league standings. This result effectively ends their chances of competing for the third spot in the AFC Champions League Elite, adding to the frustration and pressure facing the team and its coach, Marcelo Gallardo. The draw highlights the need for Al-Ittihad to regroup and refocus in their upcoming matches to finish the season on a positive note.
The post-match tensions were further exacerbated by Gallardo’s absence at the press conference, signaling the coach’s disappointment and frustration with the team’s performance. This is the second time Gallardo has declined to attend such events recently, raising concerns about the team’s overall morale and resilience. The coach’s visible upset following the match’s outcome underscores the challenges facing Al-Ittihad as they navigate a series of disappointing results in the league. Gallardo’s absence from the press conference reflects the intense pressure and scrutiny he is under as the team’s leader, with expectations high for a turnaround in form and results in the remaining matches of the season.
Despite the setbacks and frustrations, Al-Ittihad must now focus on regaining their momentum and turning their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the season. With their chances of qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite dashed, the team must prioritize finishing the league strongly and building towards future success. Gallardo’s leadership and ability to rally the players will be crucial in overcoming the recent disappointments and instilling a sense of belief and determination within the squad. The draw against Al-Khaleej serves as a wake-up call for Al-Ittihad to address their shortcomings and work towards a more consistent and competitive showing in the league.
As Al-Ittihad look ahead to their next challenges, they must analyze the reasons behind their recent struggles and make necessary adjustments to improve their performance on the field. The team’s coaching staff and players must work together to identify areas for growth and development, emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience in overcoming adversity. With the season approaching its conclusion, Al-Ittihad has an opportunity to showcase their character and fighting spirit by finishing strong and demonstrating their potential for future success. The draw against Al-Khaleej may have been a setback, but it can also serve as a turning point for Al-Ittihad to regroup, refocus, and push forward with renewed determination and motivation to achieve their goals.
