Al-Ittihad’s Saad Al-Mousa urges Sergio Conceicao to explain reasons for failure

Al-Ittihad defender Saad Al-Mousa has criticised former manager Sergio Conceicao, saying the Portuguese should have been more direct about why his spell at the Saudi club failed.

Conceicao left his position as Al-Ittihad manager at the end of last season.

Speaking to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Mousa said: “Conceicao should have been braver in explaining the real reasons behind his lack of success, rather than placing responsibility for the failure on the Saudi player.”

He added: “The Saudi player fully understands the importance of preserving the reputation of Saudi football. Statements of this kind will not affect the state’s project to develop the local player and prepare them for major competitions.”

Several media outlets had reported comments from Conceicao in which he criticised the Saudi Pro League and said he had worked there for money.

The Portuguese manager later issued an official statement to clarify his remarks. In a post on his personal Instagram account, Conceicao wrote: “During my interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport podcast, I answered two questions about my experience in Saudi Arabia.

“Unfortunately, my words were misinterpreted as criticism of Saudi football.

“I would like to make clear that I never intended to offend Saudi players, let alone Saudi Arabia itself. It is a country that welcomed me and my family, and for which I have great appreciation and respect, as I also confirmed during the interview.

“I never questioned the quality of Saudi players, nor did I ever say that Saudi players were bad. My intention was to highlight the differences in the football experience and the approach to being a professional footballer in Saudi Arabia and Europe.

“There are significant differences, and I explained how difficult it was to adapt to certain aspects of this environment, given my own understanding of the coach’s role.

“At the same time, it was an important experience that gave me the opportunity to learn and develop a different perspective, as well as a greater understanding of athletes and their approach to football.”

Conceicao also declined to take sides in the dispute involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp angrily during the previous international break after not playing against Norway.