Conceição’s New Mission in Saudi Football: Ittihad’s Balance Check as Nasser Hunts Ninth Win

Conceição's balancing act at Al-Ittihad

Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição is tasked with restoring balance at the reigning Saudi Pro League champions after eight rounds, as Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Riyadh FC in a key clash that could set the tone before a lengthy break.

Since taking over on October 8, succeeding Laurent Blanc, Conceição has been working to steady a side that won the league last season but began this one with a stutter, recording three wins in six matches and two losses to rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.

The start wasn’t easy, and some lineup choices and short preparation time contributed to the results, but a forthcoming international break in Qatar for the Arab Cup could help him solve a few puzzles.

Conceição said in a pre-match press conference: “The international break was very important because it allowed us to correct some errors despite many players being away with their national teams. With the internationals back, the time ahead of the Al-Riyadh game will be tight, and the real picture of the team will emerge after the December camp.”

At Al-Ittihad, striker Karim Benzema remains the standout figure, though the Frenchman has not been fully fit since the season’s start, missing six games across competitions. He still contributes, with five goals in eight appearances across league, cup and the AFC Champions League for the elite team.

Conceição noted that Benzema is a big addition when fully fit, adding that the Frenchman is clear to rest only on medical advice after missing the latest team training.

The Portuguese coach also indicated that trio Moussa Diaby, Fabinho and Mohamed Doumbia would arrive on Thursday and would be assessed before facing Al-Riyadh, a match shrouded in variables after the recent coaching change at the visitors.

Conceição expressed confidence in his current squad and denied talks about changes or transfers with management; the forthcoming two matches—against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League and then against Al-Shabab in the cup—will test the depth in a busy schedule.

Who stops Al-Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to lead Al-Nassr’s attack after Portugal sealed a World Cup berth, despite being sent off in the previous game. Ronaldo (40) hinted that his next World Cup appearance in 2026 may be his last, suggesting he could play for a couple more years before stepping away.

Since the season started, Al-Nassr have won every league game to sit top with 24 points, chasing by Al-Taawoun (21) and Al-Hilal (20). The next fixture pits them against Al-Khaleej on Sunday, a side unbeaten in their last five across competitions.

Ronaldo has added nine goals so far, trailing his teammate Joao Felix (10) for the lead, and hoping to widen the gap. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, host Al-Fateh while Al-Ahli aim to extend their unbeaten run against Al-Qadsiah.

Lack of competitiveness

A former Saudi Football Federation president, Ahmed Eid, criticized the league’s competitiveness for its financial imbalance, saying the competition lacks a clear identity and future revenue pathways. Eid argued that although clubs like Al-Hilal performed well on the world stage, the national team’s form did not reflect the club level’s success. He also suggested expanding to 18 teams, noting the growing pool of players and the need for better facilities, while acknowledging some stadiums need upgrading.

He also warned that the higher number of foreign players eight now could hinder opportunities for Saudi players and suggested grooming homegrown talent from a young age via academies and professional stints abroad if necessary.

Punchline 1: Conceição’s playbook is so precise that even his coffee order gets tactical analysis.

Punchline 2: Ronaldo’s goals are so dependable that gravity is filing a transfer request to join him on the score sheet.