Saudi football broadcaster Waleed Al-Farraj has backed Al Ahli to remain a major force in next season’s Roshn Saudi League, despite the club enduring significant changes and uncertainty during the summer.
Writing on his personal account on X, Al-Farraj said: “Despite all the obstacles and setbacks, Al Ahli will be an important presence on the pitch and in the stands. The season will witness many twists and turns, but the team with the most fighting spirit, determination and persistence will win.”
He added: “The coach’s departure was a disaster at the time, but it was a successful experience that could be repeated with unexpected names. Be optimistic.”
Al-Farraj was referring to the departure of German manager Matthias Jaissle, who left Al Ahli around two weeks before the club was due to begin its Roshn Saudi League campaign. Jaissle had spent three full years in charge and led the team to two AFC Champions League Elite titles.
Al Ahli appointed Dutch coach Marino Pusic only one week before the start of the new league season. His arrival has prompted questions over whether he can maintain the progress achieved under Jaissle and continue the team’s recent success.
The club has also experienced changes at board level. Its former president, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, stepped down in order to stand in the election for the presidency of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
There have been further changes within the squad, with the departures of two of the team’s leaders: Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie and Algeria forward Riyad Mahrez.
Al Ahli will officially begin the new season on 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.
The Jeddah club, known by its nickname “Al-Raqi”, will be aiming to win the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016. They will also seek to retain the AFC Champions League Elite crown they have won in each of the past two seasons.
Al-Farraj’s comments come as Al Ahli prepare for a campaign shaped by managerial, administrative and playing-staff changes. Despite those challenges, he believes the club will continue to have an important role both on the field and among its supporters, with the coming season expected to be decided by resilience and competitive spirit.
