Controversy After a Surprising Bench Moment: Conceição Under Fire in Al-Ittihad’s Loss to Ettifaq

Context and Backdrop

A sharp critique of the Portuguese coach after Al-Ittihad's stumble.

The Portuguese Sérgio Conceição, head coach of Al-Ittihad, faced wide criticism after a strange moment during the Tigers' clash with Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ittihad lost 0-1 to Ettifaq, at the Al-Enmaa Stadium, in the 16th round of the Saudi league.

During the broadcast of 'Dawrina Ghair' a clip showed Conceição sitting on his seat looking dejected as the game progressed, which Khaled Al-Shinef, a former player of Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli, described as sending a negative vibe to the players.

Khaled Al-Attawi, the former Ettifaq coach, commented on the moment: "This is a negative message in my view; the coach should stand on his feet during the match, and be with the players in front of them".

Sultan Al-Layani, a former player of Al-Wehda, said: "This is a frustrating message for players, not only those on the pitch, but also on the bench, as if telling them he doesn't trust them as solutions for the team".

Note that Ettifaq handed Al-Ittihad their first league defeat in about 70 days, specifically since the loss to arch-rival Al-Ahli on November 8.

Punchline: If coaching were stand-up, the bench would be the mic and the coach would still miss the joke.

Punchline: When mood on the sidelines is louder than momentum, even the scoreboard loses focus.