Sergio Conceiçao revitalises Al-Ittihad ahead of potential Mancini reunion
Sergio Conceiçao has overseen a dramatic turnaround at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, securing a place in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for only the third time in twelve years. According to reports from Italy, the Portuguese manager has transformed the team's fortunes amid a period of significant upheaval, following the high-profile summer departures of Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté. Under his guidance, Al-Ittihad have won six of their last seven matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
The team's progression in Asia's premier club competition marks a stark contrast to their domestic struggles earlier this season. Al-Ittihad currently boasts the best attack in the AFC Champions League, having scored 23 goals, and ranks second for chances created with 34. This resurgence has restored a sense of ambition and identity to the club, which had scaled back its investments after a period of major spending.
Conceiçao, who took charge in September, credited the squad's collective spirit for the improved results. In comments reported after their round of 16 victory, he said he asked the players to embody the passion and ambition of the fans. He highlighted the team's defensive compactness and determination, while suggesting there was room for improvement in attack. The manager also emphasised his comfort with pressure, stating that anyone who does not understand it cannot do the job.
This renewed form sets up a potential high-profile reunion in the next round. Al-Ittihad could face Al-Sadd of Qatar, who are managed by Roberto Mancini. Conceiçao and Mancini were teammates at Lazio during their playing careers. Mancini's side recently secured the Qatari Stars League title, adding further intrigue to a possible continental clash between the two former colleagues.
The quarter-final achievement underscores Conceiçao's immediate impact at a club navigating a transitional phase. His intense and pragmatic approach has quickly made Al-Ittihad a formidable force in Asian competition once more, suggesting their journey this season may extend even further.
