New Dawn at Al-Ittihad: A Hard Decision Sparks a Fresh Spirit
7 October 2025
Ramón Planes, the sporting director of Al-Ittihad, said the current phase represents a turning point in the club's project after a challenging start to the season, following a historic year in which the team won both the league and the King's Cup. He stressed that the coming challenges require courage, calm, and long-term planning.
Plans said the club came from a remarkable season, achieving the league and the cup and writing history. He noted that expectations are high and the crowded schedule made it harder to return to winning ways. He added that the team is mentally prepared for the campaign ahead and that they will face early obstacles, but remain at the start of a journey with time to improve and compete for every competition.
A tough but necessary decision
On the dismissal of French coach Laurent Blanc, Planes explained it was a sad and difficult decision, but part of his professional duties. He said this is not the first time such calls have been made, and the club handled it with professionalism and full respect for policy. He outlined a measured process: thorough performance analysis, detailed reports presented to the CEO Domingo Suarez and the football department, and a consensus that the change was necessary to refresh the squad's energy and momentum.
He added that the pause provides an ideal window: two weeks of work to prepare with the new technical staff whom the club trusts to improve and steer the team back on track. This is the right moment to add the missing spark.
A new energy, clear aims, and a long-term project
Planes emphasized the need for renewed energy and a competitive edge, stating that the leadership change was a deliberate step after reviewing the team's performance. He noted that improving physical conditioning, increasing tempo and intensity are essential in modern football, and that the new coach can deliver that improvement. The best gauge of progress is daily competition, he said, and the club aims to stay on that path consistently.
Regarding the summer transfer strategy, Planes said the focus was not solely on star signings but on building the future with local talents. He highlighted the promise shown by Mohammed Bernawi in youth world competition and named several promising options that reflect the club's new philosophy. The project requires a blend of experience and enthusiasm, and the club is moving in that direction.
Part of the long-range plan is that acquisitions such as Rogier, Simic, and Doumbia fit the technical vision not as quick fixes but for depth and longevity in the squad.
Trust, fans, and the path forward
In closing, Planes offered reassurance to players and fans, stressing the importance of sustaining belief within the system. He stated that the team deserves continuity and that the players who delighted last season can deliver more. He called for unwavering support from the public, believing that the club's large fanbase can help bring back the joy this season.
Planes also stressed that keeping the Union's spirit alive is central to the club's essence, and fans expect their players to fight for every ball. He concluded by saying that the season has just begun and there is a lot of work ahead with the new coaching staff.
Conceicao on the horizon
Separately, the club's management is close to finalizing an official agreement with Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição to lead the first team after Blanc's dismissal, following intensive talks over recent weeks. Saudi press reports that Conceição will arrive in Jeddah soon with a complete staff of six assistants, including João Costa and Siramana Dembele as assistants, Fabio Mora as an assistant, Diamantino Viegido and Fedran Ronji to train the goalkeepers, and Eduardo Oliveira as performance analyst.
According to a Saudi outlet, the deal would run for two and a half seasons, signaling a desire for long-term stability after a rocky start to the 2025-26 Roshan Saudi League season.
Punchline 1: If football is a sandwich, plan A is a sub with extra patience.
Punchline 2: And if the new coach needs a pep talk, just tell him the attackers are named for scoring—no pressure, just targets on a map.
