Bold bets and bigger goals: Montashri backs Conceicao as Ittihad edge Nasaf in a high-stakes week
23 December 2025
Match night and a bold bet
Hamad Al-Montashri, the former Saudi football star, has placed a personal bet on Al-Ittihad's Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao.
Al-Ittihad edged Nasaf Karshi of Uzbekistan 1-0 in the Elite AFC Champions League on Tuesday, in the sixth round.
Montashri said he would also cover the coach’s contract if Conceicao guides the team to third place in the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on the program 'Dourina Ghair', he warned that no match is guaranteed for the club, listing fixtures where a win could come against Al-Shabab or Neom, and where others might slip.
He added that the next five games will be the ultimate judge of the coach, and that no excuses will be accepted.
Montashri recalled that early talks framed Conceicao as a new face still learning the squad, yet the upcoming fixtures leave little room for error.
He also questioned whether the current level is acceptable, saying the team has not shone in the league or in Asia.
While Conceicao may not be leaving anytime soon, Montashri highlighted the King's Cup as a major target if the team makes the final and wins it.
The coach's future is under heavy scrutiny, and the fans await the next test.
If goals were stocks, Conceicao just bought a lot of call options—call it a risky bet, but it pays in wins.
At this rate, the trophy may need its own security detail and a mortgage.
Meanwhile, the race for the King's Cup looms large, and morale hinges on consistency.
Punchline 1: If this keeps up, the calendar will start writing the celebrations into its own schedule.
Punchline 2: And if not, the memes will be ready for the next matchday—every club fan’s best souvenir.
