In strong statements reflecting his great confidence in his team, Sergio Conceicao , the technical director of the Saudi Al-Ittihad Club, stressed that the team came to Doha with only one goal, which is to achieve victory over the Qatari Al-Sadd Club, in the anticipated match that will bring the two teams together on the grounds of Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, as part of the eighth round of the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite Competition.
During the pre-match press conference, Conceição delivered a decisive message regarding the controversy surrounding the absence of French star Karim Benzema, emphasizing that the team had moved past that issue. He stated, “We are here in Doha to defeat Al Sadd. For me, there is no difference between the substitute and the starter; we are all one group working towards a common goal.” He added that the Benzema saga was now in the past, and that the complete focus was on the current group of players and their ability to achieve the club's ambitions.
General context and importance of the Asian confrontation
This match holds special significance as it pits two of the most prestigious clubs in the Gulf region against each other, each boasting a rich history in continental competitions. Al-Ittihad enters the match aiming to continue its recent run of positive results both domestically and continentally, solidify its lead in the group, and secure early qualification for the knockout stages. A victory in Doha would not only grant the team three valuable points but would also boost player morale and demonstrate the team's strength as a cohesive unit, rather than relying on a single star player.
On the other hand, the match presents a significant challenge for Al Sadd, who are looking to improve their position in the group and maintain their chances of qualifying. Matches between Saudi and Qatari clubs are always considered "Gulf derbies," characterized by intense rivalry and excitement, adding another dimension to the game that goes beyond mere points.
The impact of Benzema's absence and future ambitions
This match comes amidst the continued absence of French striker Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, whose signing for Al-Ittihad was a blockbuster deal in the summer transfer window. Coach Conceição's statement that the player is "now in the past" indicates the technical staff's desire to close this chapter and focus on the available players, who have demonstrated excellent cohesion in recent matches. Achieving a positive result without Benzema would send a powerful message both regionally and internationally, demonstrating that Al-Ittihad's project is not dependent on any single player, and that the team's strength lies in its collective system.
Conceição also alluded to his good relationship with the Al Sadd coach, saying, “The Al Sadd coach is a friend of mine, and we’ve played together before. I hope he has no luck against me tomorrow.” This statement reflects the high level of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two coaching staffs, but it also underscores the strong desire of Al-Ittihad to secure a victory.
