New coach Sérgio Conceição faces immediate pressure in his debut for reigning Saudi champions Al Ittihad, tasked with reversing a recent losing streak.
The 50-year-old Portuguese manager, appointed October 8, will lead Al Ittihad on Friday afternoon local time in a Saudi Pro League match against Al Fayha.
Al Ittihad currently occupies third place in the league standings. They are nine points behind leaders Al Nassr after four rounds of play.
Conceição’s primary mission is to halt a negative run. This includes recent defeats against Al Nassr and Shabab Al Ahli.
The new coach expects star striker Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient, to swiftly regain his top form. Benzema was a crucial player for Al Ittihad last season.
Al Fayha coach Pedro Emanuel, also from Portugal, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “The game with Al Ittihad will be difficult,” Emanuel stated.
He highlighted the match occurring after a lengthy international break. Emanuel added that Al Ittihad’s status as reigning champions further motivates his team.
Al Ittihad enters the contest with three players unavailable due to injury: Simic, Al Shanqeeti, and Al Aboud. Danilo Pereira is projected to start for Conceição’s side.
The Saudi Pro League features a notable Portuguese presence. This includes superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus at rival club Al Nassr.