Sérgio Conceição: CR7, 41, is still extremely disciplined; Portugal must aim to win titles

In an interview, Sérgio Conceição praised Ronaldo, 41, for maintaining an extremely competitive mindset at Al Nassr FC.

Sérgio Conceição has praised Ronaldo, 41, for keeping a fiercely competitive mindset at Al Nassr FC.

Sérgio Conceição is currently without a club after leaving Al Ittihad. Last season, he faced Al Nassr FC, who had Ronaldo and João Félix and were then coached by Jorge Jesus.

Asked about Ronaldo during an interview on the Arab channel Koora Break's podcast "Extra Time," the Portuguese coach spoke highly of the Portugal national team and Al Nassr FC captain, stressing that Ronaldo still has a competitive mindset at 41.

Sérgio Conceição said: "He was the first superstar to go to the Saudi league. Honestly, what he has done in Saudi Arabia is the same as what he has done at his other clubs and with the national team. He is extremely strict and demanding with himself, and very ambitious, and he always puts his work first. That's why a 41-year-old can still compete. Otherwise, it would be very difficult."

On another topic, Sérgio Conceição recalled his playing days at Lazio. He said: "That was probably the toughest team I was ever part of as a player. The training intensity was very high, and the atmosphere was always heated. I remember we had Simeone, Fernando Couto, Mihajlović, Mancini, Vieri... Everyone had a strong personality, and it showed in training. But that didn't stop us from becoming a strong unit, because everyone understood that our daily ambition and determination meant giving everything for the team, each in his own role, to achieve important goals. And we did achieve them."

The Portuguese coach gave a lengthy interview on the Arab channel Koora Break's podcast "Extra Time," discussing his family, his coaching career, the Portugal national team, and his relationship with his children and family.

Sérgio Conceição was part of Portugal's so-called "Golden Generation," which included players such as Figo and Rui Costa. When the conversation turned to the national team, he first emphasized: "People say I was part of the Golden Generation, but I believe the true Golden Generation is the one that wins titles. Some players who won the European Championship and the Nations League twice are still playing now. In my opinion, they are the true Golden Generation."

Speaking about the future of the Portugal national team, Sérgio Conceição said they must have, and openly state, the ambition to win titles: "I think this generation of players is very high-level; they play for the best clubs in the world. But people won't remember us for giving Spain a hard time. They will remember Spain because they won the World Cup. If we want to grow, compete with the strongest teams and take on this responsibility, we can't keep saying we are just contenders. With this generation of players, we are favorites. Our players are of a high standard, not only in technical ability but also in game intelligence and physical condition. I believe we have no excuses. We must go all out to win the Nations League quarterfinal and then aim to win the European Championship, without lowering our expectations unnecessarily. We must have ambition and match it with effort and dedication on the field. We can no longer say we lack strength. Look at the younger ranks, like the U21 national team: they are doing very well, reaching the European Championship final and the later stages of World Cup tournaments. I am optimistic to see young players continuously emerging from every level of youth development, and I believe they will continue the recent successes. This is the Portugal of today, not the Portugal of the past that struggled to qualify for the World Cup or European Championship finals, but a Portugal that must see itself as a title favorite."

Sérgio Conceição is looking for a new project where he can keep chasing titles. Without a club since leaving Al Ittihad, he also spoke about what he requires from his next challenge.

Sérgio Conceição said in the interview on the Arab channel Koora Break's podcast "Extra Time": "I am looking for a project that allows me to convey my passion, my determination and my understanding of the team. I'm not just talking about the players, but also the organizational structure, the president, the club's ambition, and the ambition of the region, the city, the members, the supporters and the fans."

Sérgio Conceição reviewed his coaching career over the past eight years. Apart from his spell at the Saudi club, he has won titles in every other project.

Sérgio Conceição said: "There must be a series of conditions that make sense to me. Otherwise, it will be very difficult. I am willing to take on a project to win, not to be just another passerby. In the past eight years, apart from these few months at Al Ittihad, I have won titles every time, and I want to continue that way."

Although he is not currently coaching, Sérgio Conceição still lives in Jeddah. He makes no secret of his affection for Saudi Arabia and said he has received a warm welcome there.

Sérgio Conceição explained: "The reason I still live in Saudi Arabia is that I have received an extremely warm welcome here. The people here are very passionate about football. A few days ago, I even had the chance to celebrate the Saudi national team winning the Gulf Cup. I love football as much as they do and share the same passion."

Speaking about his former club, Sérgio Conceição admitted that Saudi football still has plenty of room for improvement and did not rule out a future return. He said: "Like other clubs and Arab football in general, Al Ittihad has great potential for development. I wish them success and happiness. As a coach, if there is a good project there, I will never refuse."