Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, manager of the first football team at Al-Ittihad Club, has made his final decision regarding the team's roster, giving the green light to the club's management to approve the departure of two players during the upcoming winter transfer window, as part of a comprehensive plan to restructure the ranks and inject new blood that matches the ambitions of "Al-Ameed" to compete for all titles.
According to informed sources within Al-Ittihad, coach Conceição's technical report indicated that he no longer needed the services of midfielder Awad Al-Nashri and winger Abdulaziz Al-Bishi. This decision came after a thorough evaluation of the previous period, with the coach believing the duo were completely outside his tactical plans and that their continued presence would not add any value to the team. He prefers to utilize their roster spots to sign new local players who possess the quality to suit his tactical style of play.
Reasons for the decision and the context of the change in the union
The decision to release Abdulaziz Al-Bishi and Awad Al-Nashri was not arbitrary; it stemmed from their lack of playing time, either as starters or even as impactful substitutes, since Conceição took over as head coach. Al-Bishi, in particular, has suffered from inconsistent form and previous injuries that sidelined him from the starting lineup, where he was a key player in previous seasons. Meanwhile, Al-Nashri has struggled to secure a place in the team's midfield, which is packed with international and local stars.
This move comes within a broader context in the Saudi Professional League, where major clubs, most notably Al-Ittihad, are striving to raise the quality of local players to provide strong support for foreign players. Al-Ittihad's management understands that competing for the league title and the King's Cup requires a strong bench and players ready to make an immediate impact, which has expedited the decision to release players who do not align with this vision.
Abu Dhabi camp: The preparation stage for the decisive phase
In related preparations, Al-Ittihad is preparing to pack its bags and head to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, for a closed training camp. This camp aims to utilize the break to improve the players' fitness levels and enhance tactical cohesion, away from the pressures of fans and the media.
The coaching staff is placing great importance on this training camp to prepare alternative players and assess the potential signings, as the team faces tough domestic and continental challenges that demand full readiness from all registered players. The winter transfer window represents a golden opportunity for Al-Ittihad to get back on track and address the weaknesses that emerged in the first half of the season, ensuring their continued competitiveness and the championships eagerly awaited by their vast fan base.
