Locker Room on Edge: Al-Ittihad's Dilemma During the International Break
9 November 2025
Al-Ittihad's Break-time Crisis
The Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao of Al-Ittihad is facing a real squeeze in the squad during the international window, as players head to national duty. The Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah reports the club will lose 11 players for a 12-day break, complicating the plan to maximize the pause.
Locker Room Tensions and Derby Dynamics
The list includes Predrag Rajković, Mario Mitai, Roger Fernandes, Houssam Aouar, N'Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Saleh Al-Shehri, Hamad Al-Shanqeeti, Mohammed Bernawi, and Ahmed Al-Jalidan. With many stars away, Conceicao faces a shortage of senior options.
The coach is expected to lean on 21-year-old squad members to complete training during the break, which overlaps with a Saudi national team camp in Jeddah. Recent defeat to city rivals Al-Ahli at Al-Inma Stadium widened the gap: Al-Ahli sits on 16 points in fifth, while Al-Ittihad remains at 11 points in eighth.
Al-Ahli's Derby Taunts
Trusted journalist Santi Ona claimed fresh locker room tensions in the run-up to the Derby. He said relationships between Conceicao and a number of players are strained, with discontent over the coach's tactical approach lingering in the dressing room.
Players feel the Portuguese's style may not suit the team, given its current talent pool. Conceicao has yet to record a league win in seven domestic matches since taking over, with three victories achieved outside the league and a lean record in other competitions. The defense has leaked 10 goals while the attack has produced 14 in seven games.
Al-Ahli mocked their rival after the derby victory (1-0) at Al-Inma Stadium, with Riyad Mahrez scoring. The club's X account posted lines about dreaming of being them and the futility of flashy tifos, while praising Mahrez and teasing the rivalry, hoping fans sleep well with dreams of success.
