Sergio Conceicao has mutually agreed to terminate his contract as manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, bringing an end to a challenging tenure.
The former Porto manager was appointed with the ambitious goal of leading Al-Ittihad to domestic and continental success. However, the club's performance in the Saudi Pro League fell significantly short of expectations.
Al-Ittihad finished the season in a disappointing fifth position, a staggering 31 points adrift of the league champions, Al-Nassr, who were spearheaded by the prolific Cristiano Ronaldo.
The campaign was further destabilized by internal turmoil, most notably the high-profile mid-season departure of star striker Karim Benzema. Benzema's move to rivals Al Hilal created a significant void in the Al-Ittihad attack.
Beyond the league, Al-Ittihad also failed to make a substantial impact in the AFC Champions League Elite, suffering an exit in the quarter-final stage of the competition.
With one year still remaining on his contract, Conceicao's departure signals a clear intent from Al-Ittihad's hierarchy to embark on a new strategic path.
The club is now actively searching for a high-profile manager capable of revitalizing the squad and launching a formidable challenge for the Saudi Pro League title in the upcoming season.
Sergio Conceicao is now at liberty to explore potential managerial opportunities back in Europe, concluding his spell in Saudi Arabia.
