Al Ittihad are riding a wave of momentum after climbing to second place in the Saudi Pro League, sitting just one point behind leaders Al Hilal with 17 points from seven matches. The most recent league result, a 3-1 win away at Al-Faisaly, was built on a commanding display from Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored twice, with Steven Bergwijn also on the scoresheet. It was the kind of performance that has sharpened the title conversation around the Jeddah club, who remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the division alongside Al Khulood.

The coaching picture has also come into focus this week. Reports confirmed that Jürgen Klopp recommended compatriot Jens Scheuing to the club's hierarchy before his appointment, with the German described as one of European football's most promising young coaches. Former manager Sérgio Conceição, meanwhile, spoke publicly about his difficult spell at the club, admitting things did not go as planned in Saudi Arabia. His comments drew a line under that chapter and reinforced why the club moved in a new direction.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to continental competition. Al Ittihad travel to face Qatari side Al-Shamal at Stadium Al-Bayt on Monday in the opening round of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, a competition the club qualified for after a playoff victory over Al-Jazira. With domestic form building and a new coaching voice settling in, the coming week offers a clear measure of where this squad genuinely stands.