Time, Talent, and Tactics: Conceicao's Hour-Hand Plan to Elevate Al-Ittihad's Youth After a Derby Shock
9 March 2026
Overview
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, head coach of Al-Ittihad, is quickly regrouping after a 1-3 Jeddah Derby loss to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League round 25.
A Saudi outlet reported that Conceicao decided to groom four Al-Ittihad youngsters, following a recommendation from the under-21 manager, to feature them for about 60 minutes in the upcoming match against Al-Bukairiya.
Indeed, Ahmed Al-Jalidan, Talal Haji, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, and Faisal Al-Ghamdi delivered standout performances, helping the Al-Ittihad youngsters secure a 7-1 victory in the 18th round of the Under-21 Elite League.
Haji struck six goals, a double hat-trick and a historic achievement in the U21 Elite League.
Al-Riyadiyah noted that Conceicao plans to bring the quartet into the first team in the near future.
Meanwhile, discussions about integrating these players into the senior squad continue, with the coach stressing measured steps and punctual timing.
And for a touch of levity, if time is money, Conceicao just paid himself in youth talent — tax-free, of course.
Impact on the First Team
The remarkable showing of the quartet in the U21 league has intensified expectations that Conceicao will regularly call on them for minutes with the first team in the coming period.
STC TV is showing highlights of the U21 performances, and the staff remains hopeful about a continued academy-to-senior pipeline at the club.
Punchlines aside, a sign that time can be a friend for young players is finally starting to tick for Al-Ittihad.
Time is money, and Conceicao just invested in youth — tax-free and fully refundable in trophies.
In football as in comedy, timing is everything. Conceicao seems to have found the punchline: a clock, four youngsters, and a stadium full of hopes.
