After a 2-1 victory over Damac in the 32nd round of the Saudi Roshn League on Sunday, Al-Ittihad head coach Sergio Conceicao addressed the club’s supporters, urging them not to place blame on him for the team’s struggles this season.
The win lifted Al-Ittihad to 52 points, placing them sixth in the league standings, level on points with fifth-placed Al-Taawoun. They remain hopeful of qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite play-off spot.
In his post-match press conference, Conceicao said, “Of course, my ambition is not to finish fifth. I know that Al-Ittihad is a big club that aims for titles, but we have gone through difficult circumstances throughout the season.”
He added, “Don’t blame me because the season was tough and full of crises. Our current goal is to secure fifth place and compete for the Asian spot via the play-off.”
Concluding his remarks, the Portuguese manager stated, “This is football, and we have to accept it in all situations. Today’s match was not easy, and we will give our utmost in the upcoming games.”
