Sports

Al-Ittihad prepares to officially announce signing of German coach 'Fessing'

Al-Madinah - Jeddah

Date of publication: July 6, 2026 23:30 KSA

Gamba Osaka announced his departure

Japanese club Gamba Osaka officially announced the departure of its German coach, Benz Fessing (38 years old), through a statement issued yesterday on its official website, confirming that 'Fessing' left the team to undergo procedures for signing with a foreign (external) club, and that he will not accompany the team to the Austria camp.

Also leaving with him were his assistants Harry Pfalz (coach) and Timo Rosenberg (fitness coach). Fessing's name has recently been linked to Al-Ittihad, as reliable Japanese media outlets, including Football Tribe Japan, confirmed that 'Fessing' reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad to take over the team's leadership next season, succeeding Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição who left recently.

On the German side, Kicker magazine reported advanced negotiations between Al-Ittihad and Fessing, indicating that he 'will become the coach of Al-Ittihad', with emphasis on his background as a former assistant coach to Roger Schmidt and his attacking style based on high pressure and tactical organization. Fessing took over Gamba Osaka less than seven months ago and led the team to win the Asian Champions League title last season after an exciting victory over Al-Nassr in the final, which is the only achievement in the coach's career so far. According to Gamba Osaka's official statement, Fessing left the team to complete signing procedures with a foreign club, a step that came after the team won a continental title despite modest results in the Japanese league. It is expected that Al-Ittihad will officially announce the signing of the German coach within hours to lead the team in the new season.

Al-Ittihad ClubBenz Fessing