Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição of Al-Ittihad Saudi team has made a firm decision regarding the team's preparation program for the upcoming phase, in anticipation of the strong matches awaiting the 'Tigers' both locally and continentally.

The Saudi newspaper 'Al-Riyadh' revealed that Conceição decided to cancel long vacations for players over the coming weeks, declaring a state of emergency within the club until the derby against Al-Ahli in the Roshan Saudi League.

According to the report, the Portuguese coach intends to reduce rest periods to just one day if necessary, in order to maintain physical readiness and technical harmony before the series of crucial upcoming matches.

Al-Ittihad is currently preparing for a fiery clash against Al-Hilal on Friday, as part of the sixth round of the league, before facing Al-Nassr in the quarter-finals of the King's Cup next Tuesday, which will be a new test for the team's strength.

Additionally, Al-Ittihad will face Al-Khaleej in the seventh round of the Saudi League the following Saturday, and then will have a tough match against Sharjah from the UAE in the Asian Elite Championship, before the awaited derby against Al-Ahli.

Al-Ittihad had regained its balance in Asia by achieving its first victory in the AFC Champions League against Al-Shorta from Iraq with a score of 4-1, which gave the team a significant morale boost before continuing its local and continental journey.

Currently, Al-Ittihad occupies the fifth position in the Roshan Saudi League standings with 10 points, collected from 3 victories, a draw, and one defeat, while Conceição aims to bring the team back into competition for the top spot.