Vítor Conceição

RIYADH, Oct 23: Portuguese coach Vítor Conceição has stressed the readiness of his Al-Ittihad squad ahead of today’s El Clásico clash against Al-Hilal at Al-Enma Stadium in Jeddah, part of the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League.

Conceição emphasized that his team includes world-class players, on par with Al-Hilal, which he described as a strong team with a world-class coach. He also noted that for this match, foreign players will be selected purely based on performance, without distinction between local and international players.

The coach confirmed he will field the players who demonstrate maximum effort in training, promising that the team’s performance will continue to improve in the coming period.

He added, “We have clear ambitions, and we will fight to achieve them. This is what I expect from my players, and it is exactly what I’ve seen from them in recent training sessions.”

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Conceição said Al-Ittihad faces two crucial matches in a short period, in both the league and King’s Cup, against top title contenders. “Every match has its own circumstances, and we will treat each game according to its importance,” he explained.

Regarding the tight schedule—just five days between matches against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr—Conceição stated: “Time is limited. My focus now is entirely on preparing for Al-Hilal before we start planning for Al-Nassr.”

The coach also refrained from confirming the availability of Karim Benzema and Bergwijn, noting that their participation will be determined in the final training sessions, while affirming that both players are making good progress in their recovery programs.

Tomorrow, in the same round, Al-Hazm will face Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab will take on Damac, and Al-Qadsia will meet Al-Akhdood.