Sergio Conceicao Appointed New Manager of Al Ittihad

On Wednesday, Al Ittihad of the Saudi Professional League confirmed Sergio Conceicao as their new head coach, succeeding Laurent Blanc who was dismissed from the role.

A social media video titled "The King Rules the Game" introduced Conceicao, the Portuguese tactician with 52 international appearances as a player.

In the announcement video, 50-year-old Conceicao declared, "Victory is not a choice."

"It represents our core identity. While competitors evolve and their supporters may falter, the champion endures," he explained.

"The champion commands the game. I am Sergio Conceicao, here to forge a legacy of excellence with Ittihad."

With a two-year agreement now in place, Conceicao becomes the fourth Portuguese manager at the club, after Nuno Espirito Santo, who is currently with West Ham and exited in 2023.

Conceicao led FC Porto for seven years, capturing three Portuguese top-flight titles, prior to his move to AC Milan during last season's mid-point.

His tenure at AC Milan concluded after the team placed eighth in Serie A and suffered a defeat against Bologna in the Italian Cup final.

Al-Ittihad currently holds third position in the Saudi Pro League, three points adrift of the leading side Al-Nassr.

Blanc's 14-month managerial period came to an end following a 2-0 loss to their rivals in late September.