Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad have confirmed the appointment of Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao on a contract running until 2028, according to Reuters. The 49-year-old replaces French coach Laurent Blanc, who left the Jeddah-based club last month after a poor run of form that saw the defending champions fall to third in the standings.
The club unveiled Conceicao’s arrival in a short video posted on X, featuring the former AC Milan boss introducing himself to supporters. “I am Sergio Conceicao, I came to make history with Al Ittihad,” he declared in the announcement clip.
Blanc’s exit followed a 2-0 defeat to Al Nassr in late September, a result that further distanced Al Ittihad from the title race. In the weeks since his departure, assistant coach Hassan Khalifa has overseen the squad on an interim basis alongside U21 manager Ivan Carrasco.
Conceicao arrives in Saudi Arabia looking to restore momentum to a side that has struggled for consistency this season. His appointment marks another significant investment in European coaching talent by the Saudi champions, who continue to attract high-profile names as part of the league’s long-term expansion strategy.
The Portuguese tactician was dismissed by AC Milan on May 29 after an underwhelming Serie A campaign that saw the Rossoneri finish eighth and miss out on European competition for the first time in six years. Despite the disappointing league run, Conceicao did manage to deliver the Italian Super Cup shortly after taking charge last December.
Known for his intensity and demanding style, the former Portugal international has previously coached in top European leagues, including successful spells with Porto and Lazio earlier in his career. His appointment signals Al Ittihad’s intent to reassert dominance both domestically and on the continental stage.
With a contract extending through 2028, Conceicao’s mission will be to steady the team’s form and mount another title challenge, as the Saudi Pro League continues to draw global attention through its ambitious recruitment and investment strategy.
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