Marius Sumudica has never been a manager who settles easily.
Marius Sumudica has never been a manager who settles easily.
During two decades on the touchline, the Romanian has bounced between roles at a remarkable rate, taking charge of nearly 30 clubs across Romania, Greece, the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
That restless career path suggests his stay in Najran may not be long-term. For Al Okhdood supporters, however, longevity is irrelevant if the 54-year-old can deliver what matters most: Roshn Saudi League survival.
After ending their association with Paulo Sergio at the start of the year, the club moved quickly to secure Sumudica, a familiar figure in Saudi football following previous spells with Al Shabab and Al Raed.
Sumudica’s strongest reputation in the Kingdom was forged at Al Shabab.
His first stint in the 2018–19 campaign ended with a top-five league finish, before a late-season return in 2021–22 saw the capital club place fourth.
Given Al Shabab’s more recent difficulties, those achievements carry extra weight. Under Sumudica, they were also impressive on the continental stage, advancing from the 2022 AFC Champions League group phase in convincing fashion.
That run included five victories from six matches and 18 goals scored, performances that prompted praise from within the squad. Former Saudi international Hattan Bahebri described the coach as a guiding presence during that period.
Bahebri credited Sumudica’s encouragement and belief for helping him rediscover confidence in front of the goal, particularly after a hat-trick in a heavy win over Mumbai City during the group stage.
The situation awaiting Sumudica at Al Okhdood is far more severe.
After three league fixtures under his leadership, the team owns the poorest attacking output in the division, with only 11 goals registered, while also conceding 29.
Underlying figures paint an equally grim picture. They have produced the lowest number of attempts on target in the league, converting just 9.2 percent of chances, and have already been tested by more than 200 opposition shots.
Forms and fixtures add to the anxiety. Six defeats from the previous eight matches have been followed by a daunting run that includes encounters with Al Ittihad, Al Taawoun, NEOM Sports Club, and leaders Al Hilal.
Sumudica has been candid about the challenge. After a 4-1 defeat to Al Khaleej, he insisted excuses would not help, stressing the need to fight until the final round while acknowledging the battle against relegation and the need for reinforcements.
Despite the bleak outlook, there are early signs of resilience.
Almost immediately after arriving, Sumudica highlighted the importance of structure and discipline, combining a personable manner with clear demands on his squad.
Results have not been uniformly positive, but they have shown flashes of promise. A narrow defeat against an in-form Al Ahli was followed by only the club’s second win of the campaign, a 1-0 success over Al Kholood.
Off the pitch, the squad has been strengthened by the signing of Tokmac Nguen, a former Norway international who featured in last season’s UEFA Conference League team of the tournament.
Al Okhdood remains second from the bottom, three points adrift of safety, yet optimism exists ahead of a home meeting with Al Riyadh on Wednesday. If the turnaround arrives, it is likely to be driven by Sumudica’s intensity and conviction, pulling the club along with him.
