Gomes bounce, Batna magic, fervent fortress: How Al Fateh can save their season | OneFootball

It’s been a season of struggle thus far for Al Fateh, who prop up the table having registered a solitary one win through the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League after the opening 14 matchweeks.

A change of coach during the mid-season break, where RSL veteran Jose Gomes replaced Swede Jens Gustafsson, failed to have the desired effect in the first game after the winter break, when Al Fateh lost 2-1 at home to fellow relegation-threatened side Al Wehda.

Facing the daunting task of a visit to defending champions and current league leaders Al Hilal this week, how can Al Fateh turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season – and secure top-flight status?

Finding new-manager bounce

You see it often in world football that a change of manager can bring about a reversal in fortunes. Whether it be new systems or a new approach, the “new-manager bounce” is a real phenomenon, and Al Fateh will be hoping it is one that strikes them with the arrival of Gomes.

The hugely experienced Portuguese coach is no stranger to the RSL having previously worked for Al Ahli and Al Taawoun, coaching the latter across three separate stints. Already we’ve seen a tweak in outlook, with Gomes ditching the 5-4-1 Al Fateh had deployed most recently, preferring a more attacking 4-2-3-1. It's a change in formation that he will hope sparks the team into life.

Adding real quality to ranks

It seems obvious to say of a team that has won once in the RSL this season, but along with a new coach, there needs to be an injection of fresh blood in the squad to create fresh energy – and an improved level of play – on the pitch.

With still a few weeks of the winter transfer window remaining, Al Fateh have so far completed one important piece of business: the recruitment of 27-year-old Argentine international Matias Vargas.

Arriving from Chinese champions Shanghai Port, the winger has experience of playing in Spain’s La Liga with Espanyol and touches down in the Kingdom after a standout season in China. There, Vargas bagged 12 goals and provided 12 assists as he helped his club to back-to-back league titles.

Therefore, his addition will provide a major boost to an attack that has had difficulty in finding the back of the net. And, with rumours swirling about more reinforcements coming soon, the added quality is sorely needed.

Conjuring Moroccan magician's old form

While fresh blood is always welcome, Al Fateh have already on their books the influential Moroccan international Mourad Batna, who has been a leading light across a number of seasons for the Al Ahsa club.

Scoring 18 goals and providing 15 assists in his past two RSL campaigns, Batna has led the way on and off the pitch since joining from UAE outfit Al Jazira in 2020. But more is needed of him this term; in eight appearances, he has chipped in with two goals and a single assist.

If Gomes can find a way to extract the best from Batna, whose output has been restricted by injury, in the second half of the season, he could be like a new signing. Given Vargas has arrived, the potentially prosperous link-up with Batna, 34, is one that should excite all Al Fateh fans.

Rousing fervent home support

The fans of any side are often referred to as the “12th Man” for a reason, for the influence they can exert with the atmosphere they provide. Ask anyone what it feels like to play in front of a hostile crowd in Riyadh or Jeddah against Al Hilal or Al Ittihad, and there’s no doubt supporters have a role to play.

Al Fateh’s home may be smaller and more intimate than either Kingdom Arena or King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but its size can be its advantage. Fans in Al Ahsa are some of the most passionate and colourful in the league and, with them sitting right on top of the action at the Al Fateh Club Stadium, their support can offer an incalculable boost to their side.

If Gomes’ team can turn their home ground into a fortress – at home this term, they have one once and lost five in the league - and an intimidating place to visit, it will go a long way to helping them in their fight to remain in the RSL.

Tightening a leaky backline

It’s often said that goals win matches, but defences win championships, and while Al Fateh won’t be challenging for the RSL trophy this season, their “championship” would come in the form of avoiding relegation.

While they don’t have the worst defensive record in the league - that distinction falls to Al Orobah - conceding 26 goals in 14 league matches, or at a rate of almost two goals per game, is still nothing to write home about.

Clearly, that needs to be the primary focus of Gomes during the coming weeks; solidify their defence, stem the tide, build from those foundations. The return to fitness of centre-back Marwane Saadane, who can operate also at the base of midfield, will be a welcome boost, with the Moroccan missing the past two matchweeks (Al Fateh drew at Al Shabab but lost to Al Wehda).

Again, adding reinforcements in the current transfer window – this time in defence – looks required if Al Fateh are to save their season.