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Blanc Out, Conceicao In: The Mysterious Exit at Al-Ittihad and the Roadmap to Glory

4 October 2025

Blanc Out, Conceicao In: The Mysterious Exit at Al-Ittihad and the Roadmap to Glory
Blanc departs after a trophy-laden first season; Conceicao named as the leading candidate to take over.

Context

Saudi club Al-Ittihad stunned many by terminating French coach Laurent Blanc's contract after 442 days on the job, just hours after a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in the fourth round of the Saudi Pro League. The decision leaves the team seeking a fresh direction as they aim to keep their title-winning momentum, with interim coach Hassan Khalifa and youth team coach Ivan Carrasco assisting until a new technical staff is appointed.

What happened next

Al-Ittihad publicly explained that the change was made to align with the club's ambitions and the expectations of its loyal fans. Blanc had led the club to league and King's Cup triumphs in his first season, but the start of the new campaign has prompted questions about reasons behind a decision that surprised many of Blanc's former teammates and fans.

Cosmin Contra, former coach of Al-Ittihad, said the decision was unclear, noting Blanc delivered two trophies and deserved respect. Contra also supported Sergio Conceicao as the leading candidate to take over, hoping he adapts quickly to the Saudi environment and that the club competes for all titles.

Former players Chico and Paulo Jorge spoke highly of Blanc's leadership and the importance of continuing his blueprint, while Nuno Assis and San Martin commented that the timing of the dismissal was odd given Blanc's success. Blanc's contract ran from July 2024 to June 2026, with 46 matches in his first season (35 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses; 76% win rate), including a 22-game home streak that was ended by Al-Nassr.

Soon, Sergio Conceicao emerged as a top candidate, and the club expected to finalize the appointment during the international break, with the new coach set to start before mid-October when the league restarts.

Blanc's era appears to have built a strong culture within the dressing room; who will continue that legacy remains to be seen. The club's emphasis on continuity suggests the new coach will be tasked with sustaining momentum and defending top-tier status in domestic and continental competition.

Punchline: If football management were a cinema, this plot twist would be a sequel, and the soundtrack would be coming from the bench.

Punchline 2: They fired Blanc, but the real question is whether the new coach will find the snack shop still open at halftime.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Laurent Blanc released from Al-Ittihad?

The club announced Blanc's contract termination after 442 days in charge, following a league defeat, as part of a strategic move to align with the club's ambitions.

Who is the leading candidate to replace Blanc?

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao has emerged as the frontrunner to take over the role.

What were Blanc's achievements at Al-Ittihad?

Blanc led the team to the Saudi League title and the King’s Cup in his first season, finishing with a strong overall record (46 matches: 35 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses; 76% win rate) and a long home unbeaten run that was ended by Al-Nassr.