Conceicao cites financial motives, blasts Saudi player mentality

The Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao stated that financial incentives drove his decision to join Al-Ittihad, while sharply criticizing the professional discipline of certain Saudi players. Speaking on the "La Tripletta" podcast, he rejected claims that the league's aesthetic appeal motivated the transfer, emphasizing instead the attractive monetary package offered by the club.

Financial drivers behind the transfer

Conceicao explained that he anticipated massive investments would elevate the football infrastructure in the region. However, he encountered significant difficulties implementing the rigorous training methods and operational standards familiar from European competitions. He noted that incoming foreign coaches and athletes often face pressure to rapidly adjust to vastly different working environments.

Criticism of local work ethic

The former Al-Ittihad manager directed specific criticism at what he described as a deficient mindset among some domestic players. He argued that the disparity extends beyond technical skill to encompass daily habits and commitment levels. According to Conceicao, local athletes do not consistently adhere to the same professional benchmarks maintained by their international counterparts, complicating team management.

He cited instances where players missed training sessions due to family obligations or religious practices, such as waking for dawn prayers. These absences made morning exercises particularly challenging to enforce. Conceicao characterized these issues as a fundamental clash in work culture, asserting that sustained discipline is essential for competitive success.

Management and media handling

Conceicao explicitly defended foreign stars Karim Benzema and Fabinho, stating they were not responsible for the club's struggles. Instead, he attributed internal challenges to other personnel and suboptimal working conditions within the organization. His remarks highlighted tensions regarding how the club manages public perception and social media reactions.

The coach claimed that news was occasionally leaked to gauge fan sentiment and test public opinion. This approach followed a season marked by disputes during his tenure at Al-Ittihad, which concluded without major titles. Despite his criticisms, Conceicao acknowledged the hospitality extended to him and his family by Saudi authorities and club officials.

He questioned the efficacy of importing high-level expertise if the necessary day-to-day operational framework remains absent. The gap between financial scale and professional demands, he suggested, continues to hinder the development of the game in the kingdom.