Conceição Reveals Behind the Scenes of His Experience with Al-Ittihad

The Portuguese Sergio Conceição, the former coach of Al-Ittihad, admitted that his experience with the team encountered many unexpected challenges, emphasizing that the reality he faced was different from what was presented to him before taking on the role.

Conceição explained, during a television interview with the Portuguese channel TVI, that he received a vision of a team capable of strongly competing in all championships, but he encountered complex technical and administrative circumstances upon his arrival in Jeddah.

The Portuguese coach pointed out that the extent of the difficulties he discovered within the club exceeded his expectations, explaining that some of the information on which his decision was based did not reflect the team's actual situation at that stage.

He added that the task became more complicated after the departure of a group of influential members who played a significant role in the union's previous successes, which affected the team's ability to maintain its competitive level.

Conceição confirmed that the club went through several organizational and structural challenges during that period, in addition to not adequately compensating for certain positions, which directly affected technical stability and results.

He also pointed out that the successive administrative changes, including the departure of the sporting director Ramon Planes, contributed to creating an unstable atmosphere within the club's sports system.

Despite his criticisms of the conditions he faced, the Portuguese coach emphasized that he holds great respect for the federation and Saudi football, affirming that the experience added a lot to him both professionally and personally.

Conceição concluded his remarks by thanking the management of the Union and all the officials in the Kingdom, noting that the time he spent in Saudi Arabia provided him with important experiences, especially amidst the significant renaissance that Saudi football has been witnessing in recent years.