Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição , manager of Al-Ittihad, expressed cautious satisfaction after his team's 2-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud at Al-Inma Stadium in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League. Despite the win, Conceição stressed that the team could have performed better, emphasizing the importance of fan support in the team's journey towards achieving its goals.
In the post-match press conference, Conceição said, “We wanted to perform differently than in the previous match. We played well, but it could have been better.” These statements reflect the professional mindset of a coach who always strives for perfection and is not satisfied with a mediocre performance, even when securing three points. This aligns with the high expectations placed on a team of Al-Ittihad’s stature, one of the giants of Saudi football and a club with a rich history.
The importance of fan support and the future of the team
Conceição didn't forget to address the Al-Ittihad fans, saying, "The fans' presence is undoubtedly a great support for us in achieving victories, as it gives us the advantage in every match." He added, "I thank the fans who were present during the Al-Akhdoud match for their encouragement of the team throughout the game. We will continue working to improve everything within Al-Ittihad." These statements come at a crucial time in the season, as fan support is considered a pivotal element in boosting the players' morale, especially given the fierce competition for the top spots in the Roshan League, which has become the focus of global attention.
The context of the victory and its impact on Al-Ittihad's journey
This victory strengthens Al-Ittihad's position in the league standings and provides a significant morale boost to continue their positive run. The match witnessed a stellar performance from international stars, Algerian Houssem Aouar and Frenchman N'Golo Kanté , who scored the two goals, highlighting the value of the major signings the club has made as part of the ambitious Saudi Arabian sports project. This win is a crucial step in the long competition, as Al-Ittihad strives to maintain its place among the elite and compete strongly for all possible titles, both domestically and continentally, benefiting from the experience of its coach, Conceição, and its star-studded squad.
