Conceição Settles Rotation Debate, Commends Mancini
In a recent press conference, Sérgio Conceição, the Portuguese coach of Al-Ittihad, addressed his team’s rotation strategy ahead of their crucial match against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League.
Conceição Settles Rotation Debate Ahead of AFC Champions League Clash
On Tuesday, Al-Ittihad will take on Al-Sadd in the final round of the league stage at the Hamad bin Jassim Stadium in Doha. Conceição discussed his philosophy on team rotation, stressing that the distinction between starting players and substitutes is insignificant. He believes the entire squad operates as a unified group, with each player’s involvement tailored to the specific demands of each match.
Addressing Challenges
Conceição acknowledged the pressures of frequent matches and the limited preparation time. Despite these challenges, he assured that the coaching staff has maximized their preparation efforts. He expressed strong confidence in the squad’s depth, stating that current players are equipped to fill any gaps due to absentees. The focus remains firmly on securing a victory against Al-Sadd.
Respect for Opponents
The Al-Ittihad coach also highlighted the importance of developing technical strategies to combat the talented squad of Al-Sadd, particularly in light of the physical fatigue resulting from numerous consecutive games.
- Match: Al-Ittihad vs Al-Sadd
- Date: Tuesday
- Location: Hamad bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
Conceição reflected on his long-standing friendship with the Italian coach Roberto Mancini. He praised Mancini’s coaching abilities and commended the talent within Al-Sadd, pointing specifically to their star player Akram Afif.
As Al-Ittihad prepares for this pivotal clash, Conceição’s insights into team dynamics and strategic preparation underscore his commitment to achieving success in the AFC Champions League.
