Coaching Swap in Jeddah: Why Spalletti Lost the Seat and Conceicao Won the Day

Spalletti Misses Out on Al-Ittihad Job

Italian coach Luciano Spalletti had been in the frame, but the Saudi club’s technical leadership ultimately shifted toward Sergio Conceicao, according to Middle East press reports. The talks pointed to Conceicao taking the reins, sidelining the former Roma, Inter Milan, and Napoli boss who had been contacted in recent weeks.

Sources quoted by Al-Sharq Al-Awsat suggested Spalletti had agreed to take the helm, yet Al-Ittihad’s executive committee, led by CEO Domingos Oliveira and sporting director Ramf3n Blanes, refused to seal a contract for two main reasons: language and doubts about the effectiveness of the Italian coaching model in Saudi leagues, having earlier experiences with coaches like Roberto Mancini and Stefano Pioli in the region.

The report added that the announcement with Sergio Conceicao was expected yesterday, but a few procedural issues delayed the deal and there was no late entry of another candidate into negotiations.

Spalletti’s pedigree remains formidable: he is recognized as one of Italy’s top coaches of the past two decades, having led big clubs and later the Italian national team. He is praised for tactical flexibility and for guiding Napoli to the Scudetto in 2022/2023, among other successes with Roma and Inter.

Tactically, Spalletti favors flexible systems such as 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with a focus on ball possession and varied buildup. He gives full-backs attacking responsibilities and allows wingers to roam, creating space and chances. Defensively, he presses high but can consolidate into a compact block in midfield when needed, a balance that has kept him among Europe’s most adaptable managers.

Big-Name Experience

Spalletti remains one of Italy’s most respected figures, celebrated for his work at Roma, Inter, and Napoli, where he led the club to the league title in 2023. He has also steered the Italian national team in high-pressure environments, underscoring his leadership credentials.

From a tactical standpoint, Spalletti’s legacy centers on systems that prioritize control of possession, high pressing triggers, and fluid attacking transitions. His willingness to adapt formations and roles gives him a reputation as a flexible selector capable of managing star players and complex locker rooms.

Laurent Blanc, who guided Al-Ittihad to domestic success last season, was dismissed amid evaluations of how the squad could progress. Blanc’s era highlighted the club’s ambition to win both the league and cup competitions, a benchmark that continues to frame the team’s expectations.

What Conceicao Brings

With Conceicao poised to take charge, the emphasis shifts to leadership and tempo-setting. The Portuguese coach is known for robust defensive structures and a dynamic attack, qualities that Al-Ittihad will want to translate into sustained form across domestic and Asian challenges.

October presents a stern test: the first fixture after the international break is against Al-Fayha on October 17 in the Saudi Pro League, followed by a clash with Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League group stage on October 20. The team will then host Al-Hilal on October 24 in a marquee league match, before traveling to face Al-Nassr in the King’s Cup round of 16 four days later.

Al-Ittihad will look to reset their trajectory in Asia after defeats to Al-Wahda and Al-Ain’s side in previous tune-ups, while Al-Shorta will seek recovery after draws and defeats elsewhere as they chase group progression.

With the Enclosure in Jeddah hosting a pivotal period, Conceicao’s ability to articulate a clear plan and build cohesion will be put to the test against a schedule that could define the season. The club has signaled a preference for a coach who can blend strategy with leadership, and the next few weeks will be critical in confirming that choice.

Endnotes - The club’s decision weighs language barriers and confidence in the coaching philosophy, not just name value. Expect a formal unveiling of Conceicao soon as the October slate looms.

Punchline 1: If football had subtitles, Spalletti would still insist on speaking Italian to the ball. Punchline 2: In football, the only thing louder than the roar of the crowd is the calendar telling you October is coming for your job security.