Al Ittihad are enduring a difficult stretch that has raised serious questions about the club's direction under German manager Jens Weisser. A 2-1 home defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the AFC Champions League Elite left the club with just one point from two group-stage matches, sitting 11th in the competition table. Combined with a recent Saudi Pro League loss to Al Hilal, the results have triggered a wave of criticism from Saudi media figures, with broadcaster Abdullah Fallatah among the most vocal, publicly questioning whether Weisser has the tools to succeed at the club.

Speculation about Weisser's future has intensified, though reports suggest his departure is not imminent. Questions have also surfaced about off-pitch matters surrounding the manager, adding to an unsettled atmosphere around the squad. Weisser replaced Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao in the summer, and Conceicao's recent public comments about his time at the club have added another layer of noise. Conceicao criticised Saudi players and the league before later claiming his words were mistranslated, a saga that has kept attention on Ittihad's recent past rather than its present.

Despite the turbulence, the club sits fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points from eight matches, one point behind fourth-placed Al Ahli. A trip to Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday offers Weisser a chance to steady the ship and ease the pressure building around his position.