New Identity in the Making: Conceicao's Ittihad Sparks for the Clasico

The right path begins with building an identity. Quick momentum followed as the new Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição steered Al-Ittihad toward their first win of the season, a much-needed boost after a stumble in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite.

They celebrated a 4-1 victory over Al-Shorta in the third match of the group stage, showing positive signals as Conceição begins shaping a side that can absorb shocks and play with a clear plan.

The first clear sign is a defined identity; the team displayed a character that can endure setbacks and still press forward.

That was evident in the recent league clash with Al-Fayha, where a late penalty miss by Karim Benzema prevented a possible win, illustrating the psychological testing that lies ahead for the champions-to-be.

Against Al-Shorta, Conceição focused on building a distinctive playing style that should serve them well in the upcoming Clasico against Al-Hilal, a match that could define the early narrative of the season.

Unconventional Weapons

Conceição's team has begun leaning on unconventional weapons. Fabinho struck a rarely used set-piece that opened the scoring, a moment that underscored a growing variety in their attacking options.

The former Liverpool man has rarely been known for free kicks, but he curled it into the corner with precision, turning a routine threat into a dependable weapon.

A rare header by winger Musa Diaby put Al-Ittihad ahead and set the tone for a match where resilience mattered more than flawless execution.

Comeback After Absence

That comeback has become a hallmark of Conceição's approach, with the return of Houssem Aouar giving the team more versatility and creativity in midfield, allowing them to diversify attacking outlets beyond Benzema and Diaby.

The coach's use of Aouar, along with the continued presence of players who can improvise in the final third, signals a shift toward a fluid, telepathic style between lines rather than a reliance on a single striker.

The aim is a footballing identity that can adapt to different opponents and still feel like a coherent unit, a necessary evolution as the Clasico against Al-Hilal approaches.

Milan's Method

There is a Milan-inspired decentralization: Conceição gives freedom to midfielders with license to hurt the defense, rather than forcing rigid tasks on talents with individual flair. Diaby's deeper positioning repeatedly illustrates this approach, a tactic Conceição previously employed at Milan and now applying to Al-Ittihad.

The result is a big win and a clearer football identity for Al-Ittihad under Conceição, though the road ahead will be tougher with the Clasico vs Al-Hilal looming and the clash against a determined opposition testing every facet of their plan.

There is a need to fix errors, particularly in defense and set-piece coverage, as conceding chances could cost them against sharper attackers. The coach must sharpen the backline and ensure better marking on crosses, especially after the early goal against Al-Shorta revealed lingering gaps in coverage.

Today also against Al-Shorta, the comeback was powered by improved collective understanding and a more purposeful midfield, laying the groundwork for a sustained title bid when the battles get louder.

And if the defense keeps leaking chances, Conceição has a plan that says: everyone must press, defend as a unit, and trust the process—because in football, identity is the cushion that prevents a kick from turning into a crisis.

Punchline 1: If football were a sniper rifle, Conceição would already have the target in sight before the whistle—just calibrate the plan and fire HQ-level football every time.

Punchline 2: And if defense keeps singing 'offside' like a chorus, the whistle will bring the mic and the crowd—proof that timing and rhythm beat chaos on big nights.