Jeddah Derby: The Unfinished Saga Between Conceição and Jaissle

A tense moment for the Al-Ittihad coach in the Jeddah derby.

The Jeddah derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli is one of the season’s standout fixtures, even if it may not decide the league title in round eight, it carries enormous weight for both clubs and leaves a mark on the campaign from the start.

Al-Ittihad arrive with a refreshed energy under their new manager Sergio Conceição, hoping the changes translate into a performance that excites the fans and unsettles a side famous for big matches under Matthias Jaissle.

A Special Derby Vibe

Since taking the helm in Jeddah, German coach Matthias Jaissle has built a formidable aura in these clashes, earning the nickname among the fanbase as the man for the big occasions. He treats the derby not as a routine league game but as a real test of tactical wit and attention to the tiny details that swing outcomes.

In four prior meetings, Jaissle has emerged with three favorable results, beating some of Al-Ittihad’s former bosses, including Portuguese Nuno Espírito Santo and Argentine Marcelo Giardao, and even a precious draw against Laurent Blanc last season.

Each encounter has underscored that his edge comes from deliberate preparation and situational reading, not chance.

Meanwhile, Sergio Conceição, the Iberian coach leading Al-Ittihad, faces a high-stakes moment of his tenure. The Portuguese boss is tasked with restoring a sense of authority and consistency as the derby approaches.

Conceição’s Delicate Moment

The coach who arrived amid hopes of reasserting Al-Ittihad’s prestige now confronts a crucial moment against a rival who has mastered destabilizing moments. His league results have sparked debate, with inconsistency domestically, even as his side shows promise in regional and continental competition.

Beating Jaissle is framed not just as three points but as reclaiming pride, breaking a narrative, and re-establishing trust among the fans. Conceição will approach the game with a fighter’s mindset and expects disciplined execution from players who know another loss could widen the gap in the title race.

He understands the derby could be a turning point—an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and to win back the confidence of a supporter base hungry for a breakthrough.

He understands the derby could be a turning point—an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and to win back the confidence of a supporter base hungry for a breakthrough.

Strange Results and The Turning Point

In league play, Conceição’s team has produced mixed results: a 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha, a 0-2 defeat to Al-Hilal, and a dramatic 4-4 draw with Gulf after trailing 4-0 in the late first half. These outcomes have drawn sharp criticism, though he delivered a contrasting performance in the King Cup by eliminating Al-Nasr 2-1.

Progress has also shown in the AFC Champions League group stage, with wins over Al-Shorta 4-1 and Al-Sharjah 3-0 boosting confidence.

Conversely, Al-Ittihad had openings in the continental campaign that did not go as hoped, with losses in the first two group games to Al-Wahda and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai under Blanc and Khalifa, respectively. The derby thus becomes a critical moment for Conceição to prove his plan and quiet the critics.

An Ever-Unfinished Tale

In Jeddah, the derby is more than a match; it’s a fresh chapter in an ongoing saga written in sweat and nerves, sometimes decided by a flash of genius. Jaissle arrives with a track record of success against Al-Ittihad, while Conceição seeks to rewrite the script and restore belief among the faithful.

Yet football respects only the present; courage at the right moment will decide the day, and the stadium will bear witness to a clash of tactics, resolve, and nerve.

In football, some stories never end; this derby is basically a never-ending season with extra drama and no refunds.

Conceição and Jaissle are playing chess, but the pawns keep straying into the VIP boxes.