Conceicao's Winter Makeover Playbook: Al-Ittihad's Route to Continental Glory
11 October 2025
Conceicao Sets a Winter Overhaul Plan for Al-Ittihad
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, newly appointed head coach of Al-Ittihad, spoke after taking over from Frenchman Laurent Blanc, who was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in the fifth round of the Saudi Pro League. He signaled to the club’s brass that he intends to bolster the squad in the upcoming winter window to restore balance and implement his tactical ideas on the pitch.
Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm reported that Conceicao has asked management to pursue winter signings capable of delivering the quality and character his system requires.
Kante Sparks Talk of a Continental Makeover
The French midfielder N'Golo Kanté has fired up the fan base by signaling his interest in a revamped continental crown under the Al-Ittihad banner, potentially shaping the tone of the winter window. Kanté, who joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 from Chelsea, has a contract that runs until June, with whispers of a possible free exit if a new deal cannot be agreed.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad’s start in the current Elite AFC Champions League edition has been modest: a 0-1 home defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC, followed by another setback as they chase momentum. The dressing room remains hopeful that Conceicao’s leadership and a strategic refresh can flip the script.
Returns, Injuries, and the Road Ahead
On the fitness front, right-back Mohannad Al-Shanqeiti is nearing a return to full training, providing a potential boost on the flanks. Algerian star Hamza Aouar has completed his rehab program and rejoined team drills, after missing time due to a hamstring issue sustained in recent fixtures.
Since breaking into the first team in 2019, the 26-year-old Al-Shanqeiti has featured in 140 matches across competitions, scoring five goals and laying on 13 assists. Last season, he appeared in 32 matches (league and domestic cups), scoring once and recording seven assists, contributing to two domestic titles won by the club.
The squad also welcomed the possibility of a return to full fitness for Houssam Aouar, with reports noting he has taken part in some group drills after completing his rehabilitation program. He’s been part of the team’s fold since his early years with the academy, and his return could add quality and depth to Conceicao’s plans.
Fans and analysts alike are watching the Algerian star Hassan Aouar as he edges closer to full participation, potentially shaping the front end of the lineup for the upcoming fixtures in the league and the continental competition.
Conceicao’s first team meeting laid out a clear philosophy: cooperation, focus, and relentless hard work. In a social post, he told players, “Time to launch a new project... together we will write a new story, always through hard work, ambition, and passion.”
Known for a stern management style, Conceicao’s track record includes notable clashes that have tested player relationships in the past. One famous Portuguese incident involved Moussa Marega in 2020, when a substitute decision led Marega to storm off the bench; Conceicao’s response was direct: “Any player who refuses a coach’s decision has no place in the team.”
There was also a high-profile disagreement with captain Danilo Pereira over a late dinner, which intensified when discussions around discipline and timing flared, and a historical episode at AC Milan involving Davide Calabria after a substitution. The message from Conceicao, however, has always been consistent: discipline and focus come first, and the rest will follow with collective effort.
Two light-hearted thoughts to close on a high note:
Sniper-level precision in his plans, Conceicao isn’t just coaching a club—he’s filing a transfer warrant for all the opponents’ goalkeepers.
If the winter window goes to plan and Kanté signs, the only thing getting intercepted will be the ball, not the coach’s instructions. And if a player tries to dodge duties again, Conceicao’s stopwatch will start beeping—time to clock in, or time to clock out for good.
