In a crucial press conference, Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, revealed the significant challenges facing his team ahead of their highly anticipated match against Qatar's Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League. Conceição affirmed that the team is ready for the encounter, despite the difficulties posed by a congested fixture schedule and a wave of injuries that has plagued the squad.
The context of the match and its continental importance
This encounter is part of the AFC Champions League, the most prestigious and oldest club competition in Asia. Al-Ittihad boasts a distinguished history in this tournament, having won the title twice consecutively in 2004 and 2005, placing a significant responsibility on the current generation to restore the club's continental glory. The match gains added significance as it pits two of the Gulf region's top leagues against each other, the Saudi Professional League and the Qatar Stars League, adding a unique competitive edge.
Injury challenge and a busy schedule
Conceição explained that the team is suffering from the absence of nine players due to injuries, a significant number that impacts the available tactical options. He cited the example of Ahmed Sharahili, who was scheduled to play in the last match but suffered a sudden injury in the final training session. The Portuguese coach added that the biggest challenge lies in the congested schedule, with the team set to play 10 matches in just 25 days. He said, “This is a difficult task for any club in the world. The heavy fixture congestion, coupled with the limited number of available players in certain positions, is affecting us. In the last match, our substitutions were carefully considered to maintain the players' physical condition.”.
Drawing inspiration from Porto's spirit to overcome adversity
Conceição recalled his successful experience with Portuguese club Porto, noting that for seven years, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club faced financial difficulties that prevented them from making major signings. Despite this, the team managed to win 11 titles. He attributed this success to the fighting spirit and unity that prevailed among all members of the club. He emphasized: “How did we achieve this? Because we were one soul and a complete team, from the management to the players, the coaching staff, and the fans. We must all stand united to overcome this difficult period.”.
Expected impact of the match
The outcome of this match will have a significant impact on Al-Ittihad's season. Domestically, a victory would provide a tremendous morale boost for the team as they continue their pursuit of the Saudi Professional League title and other competitions. Continentally, a positive result would strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stages and reinforce their ambitions of reclaiming the Asian title. The match also reflects the strength and development of football in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, serving as a gauge of the clubs' ability to compete at the highest level despite the physical and technical challenges.
