From Milan to Jeddah: Conceicao’s Derby Dominance Sparks a Saudi Showdown

Derby pedigree and the stakes in Jeddah

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao arrives in Jeddah with a derby résumé that reads like a highlight reel. Ahead of the Saturday clash against Al-Ahli in Round 8 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, he hopes to translate past glory into local triumph.

Al-Ittihad are chasing their first league win under his leadership and the club's first league win this season, as Conceicao aims to write a new chapter after a start that included draws and a single defeat in the domestic campaign he inherits.

Derby history and the coach's edge

Conceicao's track record in high-stakes derbies is highlighted by his time in Italy, where he guided AC Milan in the famous Inter clash—the Derby della Madonnina—to impressive results. He faced Inter six times as coach, including four with Milan, recording two wins and two draws with no losses in those specific encounters.

The Portuguese coach also holds a balanced record in Portugal's big derbies with Porto, Sporting, and Benfica being frequent rivals, a reminder that big matches have long been part of his football life.

Saudi chapter: adaptation and fan energy

Five matches into his Saudi stint, Conceicao seems to be adjusting to the league's tempo and the players' strengths, tailoring lineups from game to game based on training performance, as he himself acknowledged. He has built a solid Champions League pedigree, turning earlier setbacks into a run of results and improving the team's balance in Asia.

Derby days are where his spirit shines—he's described as a coach who plays like a man, leaping off the bench and raising his voice to push his players and confront officials when needed. The atmosphere in Jeddah's derbies is expected to be electric, with the home support a vital weapon in his tactical plan.

Hard mission and the crowd's role

For both clubs, the derby is a launchpad. Al-Ittihad hope to break a potential run of losses to stay in the title mix, while Al-Ahli will aim to extend their undefeated run this season. Conceicao's job is clear: squeeze every ounce of effort from his squad and capitalize on counter-attacking moments when available, while managing the risk of mistakes that can tilt a derby in an instant.

In Asia, Conceicao's leadership has sharpened his understanding of the league and its players, as he has steered the team from early defeats to important wins, including a 4-1 victory over a Iraqi rival and a clean-sheet success against an Emirati club.

Footer humor: Punchline 1: If the ball had a passport, Conceicao would stamp it with a derby victory every time. Punchline 2: He treats a draw like a WiFi signal—stable, but you know he wants a stronger connection to win.