Conceição Reveals Al-Ittihad’s Cards Ahead of Nasaf Match
Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, head of Al-Ittihad, began by emphasizing his team's readiness to face Uzbekistan's Nasaf in their first test following the break during which the Saudi national team participated in the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.
Al-Ittihad will host Nasaf on Tuesday evening at the "Al-Inma" Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, as part of the sixth round of the West Group in the AFC Champions League Elite.
During the press conference, Conceição explained that his team will enter the match with high ambition, pointing out that Nasaf is a strong opponent whose current standing does not reflect their true level on the field.
The Al-Ittihad coach pointed out that the break period was relatively beneficial, despite the difficulty of making significant changes in just two weeks, emphasizing that the work continues with careful steps and long-term perseverance.
Conceição confirmed that during the preparation period, he focused on tactical aspects, especially defensive and offensive transitions, and organizing pressing, in addition to mental and physical aspects, while praising the players' commitment.
The Al-Ittihad coach touched on the role of the fans, describing them as the true strength of the team, emphasizing that they are a constant source of inspiration and are present in the stands before the matches begin.
Regarding Houssem Aouar's exclusion from the Algeria national team squad due to injury, Conceição expressed his best wishes for the player's speedy recovery, explaining that the decision was made based on assessments by the club and national team medical staff.
Regarding Hervé Renard's statements about giving opportunities to local players, Conceição affirmed that every coach has their own perspective, emphasizing that Al-Ittihad's local players have great potential and always work hard to serve the club.
Conceição concluded his remarks by noting that he will finalize the status of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Saleh Al-Shehri, who have returned from participating with the Green Team, before making the final decision regarding their participation against Nasaf.
Al-Ittihad will host Nasaf on Tuesday evening at the "Al-Inma" Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, as part of the sixth round of the West Group in the AFC Champions League Elite.
During the press conference, Conceição explained that his team will enter the match with high ambition, pointing out that Nasaf is a strong opponent whose current standing does not reflect their true level on the field.
The Al-Ittihad coach pointed out that the break period was relatively beneficial, despite the difficulty of making significant changes in just two weeks, emphasizing that the work continues with careful steps and long-term perseverance.
Conceição confirmed that during the preparation period, he focused on tactical aspects, especially defensive and offensive transitions, and organizing pressing, in addition to mental and physical aspects, while praising the players' commitment.
The Al-Ittihad coach touched on the role of the fans, describing them as the true strength of the team, emphasizing that they are a constant source of inspiration and are present in the stands before the matches begin.
Regarding Houssem Aouar's exclusion from the Algeria national team squad due to injury, Conceição expressed his best wishes for the player's speedy recovery, explaining that the decision was made based on assessments by the club and national team medical staff.
Regarding Hervé Renard's statements about giving opportunities to local players, Conceição affirmed that every coach has their own perspective, emphasizing that Al-Ittihad's local players have great potential and always work hard to serve the club.
Conceição concluded his remarks by noting that he will finalize the status of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Saleh Al-Shehri, who have returned from participating with the Green Team, before making the final decision regarding their participation against Nasaf.