Aouar drops a bombshell: this is why I didn't perform at my usual level!

The Algeria star reveals the secret behind the difference

Al-Ittihad's Algerian star Houssem Aouar has explained why his form has dipped at the start of this season. The reason, he says, is simple: German coach Jan Wieszek keeps shuffling him around the pitch, unlike last season when he played in his usual role.

Those comments followed Al-Ittihad's 1-0 win over Al-Qadsiah on Friday evening in the second round of the Roshn League. "The Dean" spent a large chunk of the game down to 10 men, yet held their lead and banked three precious points.

"It was a wonderful and difficult match, and we deserved the win because of our amazing fighting spirit," Aouar said, praising the character his side showed against a strong opponent after going a man light.

He went further on the spirit of the performance. "For a long time I haven't seen Al-Ittihad fight and defend like this, and playing with 10 players requires suffering and running, so we are happy with the win," he added, pinning the result on the collective effort throughout the game.

The Algerian then addressed the secret behind his slower start. His role on the pitch has changed sharply, he explained. "This season is different for me, because since its start I haven't played in my main position."

"I play in whatever position the team needs me, so it is difficult for me to show up at the same level the fans are used to," Aouar continued, reckoning the constant switching naturally hits both his form and his attacking numbers.

His words lay bare how much Wieszek has reshaped Al-Ittihad. The German is clearly leaning on Aouar's versatility and his knack for filling more than one slot. The player, meanwhile, is waiting for his role to settle so he can rediscover the level that helped "the Dean" to a Roshn League and King's Cup double in his first season at the club.