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| Blanc and Mitaj (photoshopo) |
A Reliable Starter, Yet Sacrificed
Since joining Al Ittihad, the Albanian national team defender has earned respect for his defensive solidity and work rate. Whenever selected, Mitaj has been a starter, underlining the trust that coaches place in him. Yet in certain matches, including the high-profile clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, he was left in the stands. The reason is not tactical but administrative.
Saudi clubs operate under a foreign player quota system, limiting the number of non-Saudi footballers that can be registered for matchday squads. With Al Ittihad boasting a roster filled with stars from the Premier League and across Europe, decisions often come down to which player is the most “sacrificable.” Unfortunately for Mitaj, despite his good displays, his name is often the easiest to leave out when compared with big-money signings and global superstars.
The Al Nassr Defeat and Blanc’s Exit
One of the most striking examples came during the league match against Al Nassr. Al Ittihad, missing Mitaj in defense, suffered a 0–2 defeat against Ronaldo’s side. The result had direct consequences beyond the pitch, as coach Laurent Blanc was dismissed shortly after. For Mitaj, it was a bittersweet moment: while his absence wasn’t performance-related, it still coincided with a damaging defeat for the team.
This highlights the precarious position he faces. Even if his quality is recognized, external factors like squad quotas and the presence of international stars can push him out of the lineup, leaving him powerless to influence results on the field.
A New Coach, A New Chance
Following Blanc’s departure, Hassan Khalifa has been appointed as the new head coach of Al Ittihad. For Mario Mitaj, this change could bring fresh opportunities. Coaching changes often mean new perspectives, different tactical approaches, and adjustments to squad rotation. Already, Mitaj has given a sign of optimism by sharing a photo on social media ahead of the upcoming match against Al Shabab. His post hinted at a possible return to the pitch, raising expectations among Albanian fans and Al Ittihad supporters alike.
Why This Case is Rare Among Albanians Abroad
Mitaj’s case stands out when compared to most Albanian footballers playing abroad. Typically, if a player is benched, it is because of performance issues, tactical mismatches, or recovery from injury. Rarely does an Albanian player perform well and still miss out completely due to regulations. This makes Mitaj’s experience in Saudi Arabia both unusual and somewhat frustrating, especially as he continues to represent Albania’s national team at a high level.
For the player himself, the challenge is to stay mentally strong, maintain fitness, and be ready whenever his name is included in the squad. For the Albanian national team, it is reassuring to know that their defender is still competing at a top level, even if his appearances are irregular.
Looking Ahead
As Al Ittihad prepares for its next fixtures under Hassan Khalifa, the big question is whether Mario Mitaj will regain a stable spot in the squad. His talent and determination are unquestionable, but the realities of foreign player quotas in Saudi football remain a constant obstacle.
Still, Mitaj has the right mentality to overcome this hurdle. By staying patient, proving his worth whenever called upon, and continuing to represent Albania with pride, he can turn this unusual chapter into a valuable learning experience. Whether on the pitch or temporarily out of the squad, his professional growth and resilience will define his time at Al Ittihad.