Home SPORTS Al-Ittihad Names Sergio Conceicao as New Head Coach

Al-Ittihad Names Sergio Conceicao as New Head Coach

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Sergio Conceicao takes the helm at Al-Ittihad




Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League champion, has appointed Sergio Conceicao as their new manager, replacing Laurent Blanc who left the club last month.


“I am Sergio Conceicao, I came to make history with Al Ittihad...”


Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League champion, has appointed Sergio Conceicao as their new manager, replacing Laurent Blanc who left the club last month. Conceicao, a Portuguese coach, signed a contract with Al-Ittihad until 2028. The announcement was made through a video posted on social media, where Conceicao expressed his ambition, saying, “I am Sergio Conceicao, I came to make history with Al Ittihad.”


Conceicao's appointment comes after Blanc's departure following a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr, which resulted in the team slipping to third place in the league standings. During his introduction, Conceicao emphasized his winning mentality, stating, “Victory is not a choice. It's an identity that defines us. Rivals may change and their allies will fall, but the champion remains.” He previously managed AC Milan, leading them to the Italian Super Cup title, but was dismissed after a disappointing Serie A campaign.



Details About Conceicao's Appointment

  • Contract Duration: Until 2028, indicating a long-term commitment from the club
  • Recent Stint: Managed AC Milan, but was dismissed after a poor Serie A season
  • Coaching Style: Emphasizes winning mentality and building a strong team identity


Conceicao's task will be to guide Al-Ittihad back to the top of the Saudi Pro League and achieve success in both domestic and continental competitions.


Blanc's departure came after a disappointing start to the season, with Al-Ittihad managing only nine points in four games. Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa has taken over as interim manager, supported by U21 coach Ivan Carrasco, as the team looks to regroup and challenge for the title.


Al-Ittihad's recent struggles contrast with their dominant performance last season under Blanc, when they won the Saudi Pro League and the King's Cup. The team's early exit from the Saudi Super Cup and subsequent loss to Al-Nassr likely played a role in Blanc's dismissal. With Khalifa at the helm, Al-Ittihad will aim to regain momentum and make a strong push for the league title.


AC Milan parted ways with coach Sergio Conceicao on May 29, 2025, after a disappointing Serie A campaign that saw the club finish in eighth place, missing out on European competition for the first time since 2019. Conceicao had taken the reins in December 2024, replacing Paulo Fonseca, and led the team to the Italian Super Cup title in his second match. Despite this early success, the team struggled to find consistency, and Conceicao's dismissal came after a lackluster season.


During his six-month tenure, Conceicao won 16 out of 31 matches, including 11 victories, seven losses, and three draws in the league. His inability to propel Milan beyond eighth place in Serie A ultimately led to his exit.


Highlights of Conceicao's Tenure at AC Milan

Italian Super Cup Title: Conceicao's sole silverware during his time at Milan was the Italian Super Cup, won in his second match against Inter Milan.

League Performance: Milan finished eighth in Serie A, missing out on European competition.

Cup Final Loss: The team lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna, further dampening their season.

Contract Details: Conceicao had signed a contract until June 2026, with a reported annual salary of €1 million 







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