27 Days to a Turnaround: How Conceicao Revived Al-Ittihad’s Devastating Weapon

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao began stamping his mark on Al-Ittihad within days of taking charge, succeeding Frenchman Laurent Blanc.

He was appointed on October 8 after a run of catastrophic results that had left the club in a difficult position, the latest a league defeat to Al-Nassr.

True, Conceicao had yet to win in three league games, drawing twice and losing once, but he had already steered the 'Al-Ittihad' to Asian victories, beating the Iraqi Police and Sharjah.

Beyond results, several tactical details began to emerge in the players, notably the return of French winger Moussa Diaby to his accustomed level.

Sudden Decline

Diaby started the new season with a marked drop in his production, in terms of goals and decisive contributions, along with less efficient ball handling and movement.

Meanwhile, the winger's decision-making and spacing were criticized for their sloppiness, and fans called for changes in the January window.

In seven appearances under Blanc at the start of the campaign, he managed just two assists and no goals.

Course Correction

Since Conceicao's arrival, Diaby has returned to his usual level, recording eight goal involvements across six matches in all competitions.

He assisted the equalizer against Al-Fayha (1-1) in the league, and scored a brace in the 4-4 draw with Gulf.

And he set up a goal in the 4-1 win over the Iraqi Police in the Elite Asian Champions League, and produced a key assist in the 3-0 win over Sharjah last Tuesday night.

Additionally, he contributed a crucial assist in the 2-1 win over Al-Nassr in the King Cup round of 16.

Reasons for Brilliance

Conceiacao freed Diaby from the prior tactical constraints, granting him more freedom to roam between the lines instead of sticking to the right wing.

The Portuguese coach realized speed is not just a weapon for attack but a way to break down opponent's defensive shape, shaping play around rapid transitions so the Frenchman faces defenders more often.

Beyond that, he focused on the mental side, rebuilding Diaby's confidence and giving him a leadership role on the pitch, evident in his body language and goal celebrations.

Having a mobile forward ahead creates space for him to burst into the area, boosting the offense with a variety of passing and shooting options.

A Multifaceted Weapon

Diaby is no longer a traditional winger who hugs the touchline; Conceicao has turned him into a tactical asset who can operate wide or centrally and make a difference from any space.

The manager moved Diaby around during matches, sometimes as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers, other times as a second forward pressuring between center-back and full-back.

His fitness and quick recovery also allow him to contribute defensively, giving balance to a more flexible system.

27 Days of Transformation

Diaby's turnaround occurred in 27 days, the window of time since Conceicao's arrival.

The coach managed to bring back the team's most potent weapon after a period of criticism.

Overall, Diaby now has 10 goal contributions this season (3 goals, 7 assists); the campaign is still early, foreshadowing a terrifying version for opponents ahead.

Diaby spoke about the secret of the turnaround at yesterday's press conference, saying: "Different approaches under the current and previous coaches, we now have a top-level manager and big clubs backing us."

He added: "We now have top players and a coach who helps us, and we are applying what is asked of us."

Punchline 1: If Diaby keeps this pace, defenders will start asking for autographs before trying to mark him.

Punchline 2: Conceicao's playbook is so flexible even the remote control can't decide which formation to press next.