Sérgio Conceição Set for Al Ittihad Hot Seat as Manager Search Intensifies

Sérgio Conceição is open to being the new Al Ittihad head coach. Talks are moving quickly to finalize his appointment at the Saudi Pro League club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Al Ittihad recently parted ways with Laurent Blanc after poor results, including a defeat to Al Nassr and a Saudi Super Cup exit. Despite winning the league and the King’s Cup last season, Blanc has lost his job after an inconsistent start to this campaign. Al Ittihad are currently sixth in the table, five points behind Al Hilal in top spot. The club has moved quickly to secure new leadership and has identified Conceição, the sought after Portuguese coach and former Porto boss, as a top candidate. Conceição is ready to take over immediately and talks are moving forward with Al Ittihad searching for a quick solution.

WHY SÉRGIO CONCEIÇÃO?

Conceição is best known for a long and successful spell with Porto, where he won multiple league titles and guided the team to strong showings in Europe. His reputation for building disciplined, high-energy teams fits with Al Ittihad’s ambitions of challenging for success both domestically and at Asian level. The club wants a coach with a proven record of delivering immediate success and Conceição is a strong fit. Other candidates for the role have included Xavi and Luciano Spalletti, as Al Ittihad has approached them for the managerial position, reinforcing that they are looking for experienced leadership.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR AL ITTIHAD?

Al Ittihad face a crucial period with Hassan Khalifa in interim charge, as they prepare to take on Al Shabab in the Pro League in their next game. Al Ittihad are currently sixth in the league, five points behind top spot, but are under pressure after dropping points to their title rivals. Al Shabab are sixth in the table, but will be another difficult opponent, and the club must also watch teams below them, with Al Nassr just two points back in fourth. Securing Conceição could give them the experience they need to stay in the title race as the season heats up.