Conceicao Declares Benzema a Complete System as Al Ittihad Prepares for Riyadh Clash

A Complete System

Sergio Conceicao, head coach of Al Ittihad, spoke ahead of the upcoming Saudi Pro League match against Riyadh, scheduled for Saturday in the ninth round. The team currently sits eighth in the standings with 11 points after eight rounds.

Conceicao said Karim Benzema represents a real addition to the club and to Saudi football, both locally and internationally, noting that the player delivers his best performances when he is on his day, which directly enhances the team’s output on the field. His physical condition is described as excellent, and even though a doctor recommended some rest, it has not affected his readiness to contribute when called upon. “Benzema is a complete system, and he can be relied upon to build play and create chances; he is a superb player,” the coach said.

Responding to Criticism

Turning to the future, Conceicao outlined that the next three matches will be treated with caution and focus. The Riyadh game, in particular, is a special test following a managerial change, with emphasis placed on reading the game and making timely tactical decisions on the pitch. He added that crowd pressure is a natural and legitimate part of the sport, and the team must provide the right answer first by winning, before regrouping for the December preparations.

He also touched on the selection of foreign players for matches, saying there is no embarrassment in the process, as evaluations are always based on training performance. Conceicao reiterated his agreement with Jorge Jesus that foreign players help raise the level of Saudi players, and stressed that the best players available will feature, which in turn motivates everyone to give their best. Regarding goals conceded, he attributed responsibility to the entire team, not just the defense, and insisted that every goal has its own story and all aspects must be addressed, not just the back line. He emphasized that performance evaluation should be comprehensive and reflect the contributions of all players, because football remains a team game.

In what may be interpreted as a direct response to transfer rumors, Conceicao concluded: “I wish I could speak Arabic to convey my message clearly, but what has been circulating in the media about transfers has no connection to the truth. Whether I stay for a month or years, you will not hear anything from me except honesty, and there has been no contact with the administration about changing players — I do not know deception.”

Hard Challenges

This is Conceicao’s first season with Al Ittihad, and he understands the club’s weighty history, its eager fanbase, and an administration hungry for the team to return to the summit. He faces three heavy challenges shaping his season: the league, the King’s Cup, and the AFC Champions League for the elite clubs. From day one, he realized the league title is fiercely contested, with big teams investing heavily and every point counting toward the final tally.

Al Ittihad endured a difficult previous season, and fan pressure demands a quick return to the forefront. The coach must address a host of details: defensive cohesion, decisive finishing in attack, and consistent performance throughout the campaign. Patience is essential, but in a club of this size, time is a luxury that does not linger. The King’s Cup, a knockout competition with no room for error, could be a turning point if conquered, providing renewed momentum for supporters and management alike. Conceicao is well aware of Al Ittihad’s special relationship with this trophy and approaches it with calculated precision, preparing players for high-stakes matches that require courage and intensified focus. A King’s Cup victory could represent a turning point for the team’s standing with fans and the club’s leadership.

The Champions League for the elite represents a different beast entirely—an arena the club’s supporters crave. The journey there demands more than on-pitch resilience; it calls for travel stamina, mental strength, and the ability to adapt to opponents with diverse playing styles. The squad must display character under pressure and the coach must build a squad that can not only compete but re-establish Al Ittihad’s dominance. Between these three competitions, Conceicao faces what may be one of the most demanding seasons in his managerial career, with injuries potentially cropping up, a congested calendar, and a fanbase that expects nothing less than gold. This is a complex journey, but it also offers a tremendous opportunity for the Portuguese boss to craft a new chapter in the club’s history—one that signals Al Ittihad’s return to the top of the pyramid. The road ahead is intricate, but it is a chance to write a defining season for the club and its supporters.

And yes, as the sniper would say: if the game is a puzzle, Benzema is the missing piece; if it’s a test, Conceicao brought a cheat sheet that actually makes sense. Sniper’s final tip: aim for the goal, not the drama.