Sérgio Conceição explodes against mediocrity: “I am not used to fighting for fifth place” after crucial Al Ittihad victory
In the bustling landscape of Saudi football, Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição does not hide his dissatisfaction with the current reality of his team, Al Ittihad. Following a crucial away victory of 2-0 against Al Taawon in the 30th round of the Saudi league, the coach launched barbs that reveal the fierce ambition that runs in his blood.
With a solid performance, Al Ittihad confirmed its quality with a goal in each half — the first, in the 19th minute, from Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar, and the second, in the 52nd minute, from Moroccan forward Youssef En Nesyri. Portuguese player Roger Fernandes also started in the lineup, showing that Conceição strongly relies on Portuguese talent, although he was substituted in the 81st minute.
In the post-match press conference, Conceição did not hold back: “We did our duty, which was to win. I am not used to fighting for fifth place. Thank God, in my career, I have already won some titles and have always fought to be a champion and for titles, but it is the reality we have.” These words reveal the coach’s shock at the club’s position in a competition that demands much more.
The Portuguese coach did not hold back in praising his players, highlighting their commitment and collective performance: “Congratulations to the players, we played an excellent game both with and without the ball. We must continue to honor this club and its fans, who are the soul of this club, and provide a positive response, which I think we have shown in the last few games, but without the luck of the game, as happened in the Asian Champions League. It wasn’t just luck; there was a team that hindered us.”
With this victory, Al Ittihad remains in sixth place, with 48 points, just one point behind direct rival Al Taawon, who occupies fifth place but has played one more game. The fierce battle for ascension in the standings continues, and Conceição makes it clear that his ambition is not satisfied with mediocrity.
This declaration of war from the Portuguese coach is a clear warning to the squad and the fans: Al Ittihad will not accept mediocrity. Conceição’s team is ready to fight tooth and nail to regain the prestige and titles that the coach has won throughout his career.
Stay tuned for the upcoming matches, because Al Ittihad, under the command of Sérgio Conceição, promises to ignite the Saudi league in the pursuit of positions that honor the club and its thousands of passionate fans. The battle has been declared, and the Portuguese commander will not back down!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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