Al Ittihad are in serious trouble in the AFC Champions League Elite, and the pressure on German coach Jens Fissing is growing by the day. A 2-1 home defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in Matchday 2 left the club with just one point from two games, sitting 11th in the West Group standings. It was a result that stunned their own fans at the Inma Stadium in Jeddah, and it has sparked a fierce debate about whether Fissing is the right man for the job.

Fissing arrived at the club this summer as a replacement for Sergio Conceicao, and early signs were positive. But back-to-back setbacks, including a league loss to Al Hilal and now this continental defeat, have shifted the mood sharply. Broadcaster Abdullah Fallata has been among the most vocal critics, publicly questioning whether the coach has the tools to succeed and calling out what he sees as a lack of direction. More recently, further doubts have surfaced around Fissing's conduct off the pitch, with claims that his behaviour is unsettling the squad.

In the Saudi Pro League, the situation is more stable. Al Ittihad sit fourth with 17 points from eight games, three behind leaders Al Nassr. Their next test comes on October 20, away at Al-Ettifaq at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, a match that carries added weight given the fragile confidence around the club right now.