Union Nearing the End of Conceição's Tenure

The management of Al-Ittihad is close to ending its relationship with the Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, following the team's decline in results during the past season and its failure to achieve the expected goals both domestically and continentally.

European press reports confirmed that the separation between the two parties is imminent, with a preliminary agreement in place to terminate the contract amicably at the end of the current season.

The Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano indicated that Conceição is currently discussing some details of the contract before officially announcing his departure from leading the team in the coming days.

The Portuguese coach is awaiting the finalization of his departure, in preparation for considering the European offers that have started to come in following his imminent exit from the club.

Conceição took over coaching Al-Ittihad last October, succeeding Frenchman Laurent Blanc, with a contract extending until the summer of 2028, amid great ambitions to return the team to the championship podiums.

The Portuguese coach led Al-Ittihad in 41 matches across various competitions, achieving 21 victories, 7 draws, and 13 losses, figures that did not satisfy the club's fans.

The pressure on the coaching staff increased after the heavy defeat against Al-Qadisiya with a score of 5-1 in the last round, a result that sparked widespread anger among the Union fans.

Al-Ittihad finished its season in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League standings, exited the AFC Champions League at the quarter-final stage, and was eliminated from the King's Cup at the semi-final stage.