Saad Al-Mousa says Sergio Conceicao used Saudi players to excuse Al-Ittihad failure

Al-Ittihad defender Saad Al-Mousa has rejected Sergio Conceicao’s criticism of Saudi players, saying the former manager had used them to justify his own lack of success.

Conceicao recently questioned the mentality and professionalism of Saudi footballers after his spell in the Saudi Roshn League with Al-Ittihad. The Portuguese coach said the players did not possess the required level of professionalism and criticised their mindset.

Al-Mousa responded after Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Ettifaq 4-1 at their opponents’ stadium on Tuesday in the 10th round of the Saudi Roshn League.

Speaking to the Nadeena programme on MBC 1, Al-Mousa said: “Two days ago, a former manager made a statement about the professionalism of the Saudi player. I want to confirm to everyone that this statement is completely untrue.”

He added: “I do not know the purpose of that statement. Perhaps he saw the Saudi player as the weakest link to justify his failure. I wish he had been braver and mentioned the actual reasons for which he was responsible.”

Al-Mousa also defended the wider development of Saudi football and said Conceicao’s comments would not affect the progress being made.

“The support received by Saudi football is unprecedented,” he said. “The Saudi player is aware and fully understands the importance of Saudi football and its reputation. I do not expect such naive provocation to affect the project to develop the Saudi player.”

Conceicao managed Al-Ittihad last season, but the club finished fifth in the Saudi league. They were also eliminated by Al-Raed in the semi-finals of the King’s Cup and exited the AFC Champions League Elite at the quarter-final stage.

Al-Mousa’s comments were broadcast by Nadeena and shared on the programme’s official account on 20 October 2026.