JEDDAH, 29 October 2004 — Al-Ittihad has decided part ways with its coach, Evitch, according to club sources.
The decision to change the coach has been taken even as Evitch returned with the team from South Korea after the team’s 2-2 draw against Chonbuk Motors in the return leg that saw them enter the Asian Champions League final.
The decision is expected to be made official in the next few days. Belgian and former Ahli coach Loca is expected to replace Evitch.
One other name mentioned as a replacement is coach Evan.
Ittihad will resume its training sessions tomorrow. Ittihad has asked for a postponement of its match against Riyadh, which is set for Sunday, as the team needs rest following its return from Korea.
If the match is not postponed then it is likely to field its second line-up.
Ittihad fans have greeted the news of Evitch’s exit as “good news.” They said the team deserved a better coach who could take them to the top. Many said they were not satisfied with the coach’s tactical and organizational capabilities. “Many good players are benched for no reason and his tactics on the field is overtly defensive,” one of the fans said.
