French Flair, Saudi Echoes: How Aouar Found His Rhythm with Al-Ittihad
25 November 2025
A tough but rewarding partnership with Conceicao
Houssam Aouar, the Algerian playmaker for Al-Ittihad, says working with Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao is not easy, but he respects him as a top manager with a demanding style.
He joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 from AS Roma and has since become a core piece for the club.
The Blanc vs Conceicao difference
In a conversation with French YouTuber Zack Nani, Aouar said: “I enjoyed working with Blanc; our relationship with him and his staff was exceptional, and everyone spoke French.”
“When I arrived in Jeddah, it felt like being back in France, because the staff spoke my language and there were other players who spoke it too.”
Regarding Conceicao, Aouar added: “He is a wonderful coach, but working with him isn’t easy; his training sessions are intense and require extra effort, and we’re trying to adapt.”
He noted that Al-Ittihad started poorly and is now trying to regain momentum; the recovery takes time.
Joining Al-Ittihad and Benzema’s nudge
Aouar revealed that during negotiations he received a call from Karim Benzema that convinced him to move to Jeddah to play in the Saudi Pro League.
“Of course I wanted to play alongside Benzema; his presence was one of the main reasons I agreed to join Al-Ittihad,” he said.
He added that Jeddah is a city that breathes football; he feels fortunate to belong to a club with a massive fanbase, and the passion of Jeddah’s people for the team exceeds all expectations.
Adapting and the season ahead
Regarding adaptation, Aouar said local players helped him a lot, and Saad Al-Mousa gave him great support from day one. Temperature differences are evident, with Jeddah often hot, while Riyadh can be notably cold in winter.
He also stressed his versatility: he plays on the right, left, and through the middle, and he adapts quickly to position changes.
Describing the season as tough, he noted the crowded schedule with a game every three days. His goals include triumphs with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, and with Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League, alongside a World Cup appearance.
He concluded that the team did not start the season as hoped in the league or Asia, but expressed full confidence in the squad and in the manager’s method, noting that time is needed to adapt.
The road ahead and Aouar’s value
Aouar remains a key piece in Al-Ittihad’s plans, offering technical quality, experience, and composure on the field. Since his arrival, the team has gained better control of tempo and can build attacks from the midfield with greater conviction.
He excels at finding space between the lines and moving the ball smoothly, providing additional attacking options whether through chances created or goals scored, making him a constant threat to opponents’ defenses and adding balance to the team’s attacking game.
Overall, Aouar’s presence reinforces Al-Ittihad’s threats and offers a blend of creativity and calm that the team needed to push for success this season.
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper range, Conceicao would call the targets “on the move” and Aouar would answer with a pass that lands in the net—no wind, just precision.
Punchline 2: They say every season writes its own story; with Aouar, the chapter reads “sharp passes and sharper vibes”—and yes, the defense can finally blink first.
