Portuguese Sergio Conceição, head coach of Al-Ittihad Jeddah, expressed his opinion on the current state of the team and the points gap with the leading club Al-Nassr, emphasizing that talking about the title race at this time is still premature.

Conceição explained during the press conference that the team's focus is currently on the upcoming AFC Champions League match, noting that the coaching staff has set a clear plan for the international break period, but it will start after playing two additional matches.

The coach indicated that Al-Ittihad entered the Riyadh match aware of the opponent's reliance on defensive consolidation, stating that the team created many chances but failed to capitalize on them properly during both halves.

He pointed out that the red card received by Al-Ittihad changed the course of the match, as it gave the Riyadh players a significant psychological boost, making them more dangerous after being numerically disadvantaged compared to before the red card.

He revealed his acceptance of some red card situations that he considers part of the game, but expressed his dissatisfaction with other cards he described as illogical, adding that he will hold discussions with the players to avoid repeating such situations in upcoming matches.

Conceição concluded his statements by affirming that the match was not easy despite the victory, explaining that Al-Ittihad was capable of securing the result with more goals, while giving full appreciation to Riyadh and their new coach, after the match ended 2-1 in favor of Al-Ittihad in the ninth round of the Roshn League.