Diaby's Red Card Apology and a New Era Under Conceicao: Al-Ittihad Surges to a 2-1 Win

French winger Moussa Diaby apologized for the red card he received in Al-Ittihad's Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh, a night focused as much on discipline as on points.

Diaby helped steer his side to a 2-1 victory at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, including a delightful cross that Karim Benzema headed home in the 24th minute to give the visitors the lead.

Moments later, Diaby’s night took a sour turn as a VAR review led to a direct red card for an off-ball incident with a Riyadh defender, changing the rhythm of the game as Riyadh pressed for an equalizer.

Despite the setback, the Al-Ittihad defense, anchored by goalkeeper Predrag Raikovic, stood firm as Riyadh probed, narrowly missing several times to keep the scoreline in favor of the home side.

Diaby's apology

After the final whistle, Diaby spoke about the win, the red card, and the team’s performance, saying the victory on home soil mattered, and that he accepted responsibility for the dismissal while praising the collective display.

He emphasized that the three points were crucial and expressed hope for more successes under the management of Sergio Conceicao, acknowledging that the red card was a blemish on an otherwise positive night.

Diaby also noted that the red card was a learning moment and extended a public apology to the team for the indiscretion.

Diaby's stance for the cup match

Analyst Abdullah Al-Qahtani outlined Diaby's eligibility for the Cup quarter-final against Al Shabab, explaining that the incident could carry a suspension in the King’s Cup, potentially affecting his availability for the next domestic fixture.

According to the assessment, Diaby would serve any league- or cup-imposed discipline within the same competition framework, before returning to active duty for Al-Ittihad in the upcoming fixtures against Al-Duhail and Al Shabab.

With a break looming for the national team’s Arab Cup duties, Diaby’s schedule will temporarily pause, before resuming duties in December for league games against Al-Hazem and Al Shabab.

Conceicao’s discovery

Diaby's form has surged since Sergio Conceicao took charge, lifting him from earlier limitations to a standout period this season, with nine direct contributions in seven games across competitions.

From the moment Conceicao arrived, Diaby’s influence grew; he has been involved in goals across league and continental play, including assists and finishes that helped the team lock down results.

Reasons for the rise

Conceicao freed Diaby from rigid tactical boundaries, letting him roam between lines rather than sticking strictly to the right flank.

The coach leveraged Diaby’s pace to disrupt opposition structures, building a system around rapid transitions that put the Frenchman in direct confrontation with defenders.

Mentally, Conceicao has boosted Diaby’s confidence and granted him a leadership role on the pitch, reflected in his celebrations and his ability to press and contribute in open play with a mobile striker ahead.

A versatile weapon

Diaby is no longer a traditional winger. He’s now a versatile asset who can operate on the wing, in the space behind the forwards, or as a secondary striker, consistently impacting the game from multiple zones.

Conceicao’s setup often sees Diaby drifting between roles, occasionally acting as a playmaker behind the forwards or exploiting pockets between central defense and full-backs to destabilize the opponent’s shape.

His own fitness and willingness to contribute defensively have made him a balanced component in the team’s build, not just a scorer or creator but also a ball-winner and initiator of attacks from the back.

The complete transformation

The upturn in Diaby’s level began with Conceicao and is evident in his ongoing contribution tally, signaling a potential monster season for Al-Ittihad’s rivals to fear.

Diaby has accumulated 10 goal involvements so far this season (3 goals, 7 assists), with much of the season still ahead. He attributed the change to a combination of a different coaching philosophy and the club’s elevation of his responsibilities.

He also credited the support from teammates and the collective intent to meet the coach’s demands, underscoring a growing belief within the squad as they chase silverware.

Punchline time: If Diaby keeps this up, the only thing getting sent off more than him will be the referee’s sense of humor—both equally valuable for highlights reels.

Punchline time 2: In a season where every pass counts, Diaby’s pace might finally convince the fitness tracker to start liking football as much as he does the ball.