Conceiçao’s Fresh Start: Al-Ittihad’s New chapter opens with a hopeful Houssam Awar comeback

Conceiçao’s Fresh Start in Jeddah

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição officially began his role at Al-Ittihad, bringing a buoyant mood to the club as a new era opened under his leadership after the departure of Laurent Blanc. The early days have been marked by a collective sense of optimism, with the coaching staff outlining a clear philosophy and a plan to push the squad to the next level in the Saudi Pro League.

The atmosphere around the team has been underpinned by a notable development: Houssam Awar is on the verge of rejoining full training. After sustaining a tight hamstring in the Clasico defeat to Al-Nassr on September 26, the Algerian talent has been steadily progressing through his rehabilitation, with glimpses of his return seen in staged group sessions.

Awar’s Return and the Benzema Connection

In the weeks leading up to Conceição’s arrival, Awar’s fitness news was the focal point for fans and pundits alike. Reports indicated that he participated in portions of group drills before completing his rehab program, eyeing a return to competitive action as soon as possible. The Algerian international has contributed with six appearances across competitions this season, including a single goal, and his return is seen as a potential key to unlocking the club’s attacking dynamics.

As Awar’s recovery progressed, talk surfaced about the role of a powerhouse project assembled in recent years. A revealing interview with L'Equipe highlighted the influence of Karim Benzema on Awar’s decision to join Al-Ittihad, with Benzema reportedly sharing the club’s vision and the project’s ambition. The message was clear: the Saudi competition was undergoing a notable transformation, and Awar’s inclusion was framed as part of that evolution.

Transfer Drama and Coaching Demands

Meanwhile, rumours of a move to Real Betis surfaced during the recent transfer window, but financial factors and timing scuppered the deal. While Al-Ittihad did not block a departure outright, negotiations stalled as the window closed, underscoring both the club’s willingness to adjust and its commitment to keeping core pieces when conditions are right.

Even with ongoing transfer chatter, Al-Ittihad’s management reportedly pressed Blanc’s successor to maintain continuity. Blanc previously insisted that four new players should be recruited in January to bolster the squad’s depth, while stressing the importance of retaining key pillars like Awar to preserve their tactical identity for the remainder of the season.

Awar’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Risk and Schedule

Looking ahead, Awar could miss a substantial portion of the calendar due to his duties with Algeria at AFCON 2025. The tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, which would see him unavailable for roughly four to five matches in the domestic and continental program. Should Algeria advance deep into the knockout stages, the number of missed games could rise, adding to the complexity of Al-Ittihad’s campaign for the season.

Conceiçao’s First Training Day and Tactical Vision

Conceiçao’s first training session with Al-Ittihad aimed to communicate his footballing philosophy: high-pressing, rapid transitions, and cohesive teamwork. He stressed that success will require strict discipline and relentless dedication, both on and off the pitch. The coach believes the squad possesses the pieces to execute this approach, provided every player commits fully to the system and to the club’s ambitions.

The early weeks have underscored a broader project: integrating new ideas with familiar strengths, while leveraging Awar’s creative spark to unlock the attack. The coming fixtures, starting with the clash against Al-Fayha, will serve as a test of the team’s readiness to adopt Conceição’s dynamic style.

Punchline time: If Conceição’s plan is a rifle, expect the ball to be the bullet—aimed, precise, and probably leaving the opposition with a face full of reasons why they didn’t study the tactical manual first. Punchline deux: In football, as in comedy, timing is everything—and Awar’s return will be the mic drop moment the fans have been waiting for.