Jens Wissing: Al-Nassr's new tactical nightmare
German coach Jens Wissing has defeated Al-Nassr twice in 112 days, first with Gamba Osaka and now with Al-Ittihad.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: Mehdi Marizad
Jens Wissing has emerged as a significant tactical challenge for Al-Nassr. In just 112 days, the German coach has orchestrated two victories over the Saudi club while managing different teams in separate competitions.
The sequence began on May 16, 2026, when Wissing led Japanese side Gamba Osaka to a win in the AFC Champions League final at Al-Awwal Park. By packing the defense and relying on clinical transitions, his side managed to deny the Saudi favorites the continental trophy.
The second blow arrived 112 days later during the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi Pro League. Now at the helm of Al-Ittihad, Wissing secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr. His team impressed in the first half, scoring twice within the opening 22 minutes to essentially decide the match early.
These back-to-back victories demonstrate that Wissing has developed a clear formula for neutralizing Al-Nassr, focusing on spatial control and capitalizing on defensive gaps. His success against the Riyadh-based club has quickly turned him into a recurring tactical headache for them.