Conceicao Reworks Al-Ittihad's Playbook Amid Schedule Crunch
12 December 2025
Context
Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao is reshaping Al-Ittihad's plans after the Saudi Pro League postponed round 10.
The delay followed Saudi Arabia advancing to the Arab Cup semi finals after a tough win over Palestine, prompting league officials to adjust fixtures to give clubs a rest.
Dubai camp and upcoming matches
The source Al-Riyadiyah reports that Conceicao is weighing an extension of the Dubai training camp, which was due to end on December 14, and would include a second friendly against Gulf United in the UAE, scheduled for Sunday.
The coach has intensified group training for the Tigers, delivering nine sessions in six days at the ongoing Dubai camp.
Al-Ittihad is preparing to face Nasaf in the AFC Champions League on December 23, following the postponement of the December 20 date against Al-Hazm.
Currently, Al-Ittihad sits seventh in the Roshen Saudi League with 14 points and also seventh in the AFC Champions League group with six points.
Punchline 1: Conceicao's calendar is so flexible that even a mirage would envy its adaptability.
Punchline 2: If football schedules were a sport, he’d win the World Cup for calendar rearrangements.
