Al-Ahli Saudi FC has rocked the Middle Eastern football landscape by announcing the unexpected appointment of Dutch tactician Marino Pušić as their new head coach. The 53-year-old manager, who previously honed his craft alongside Arne Slot at Feyenoord and guided Shakhtar Donetsk through European campaigns, steps into one of the most high-pressured seats in Asian football on a contract running through June 2028.
Pušić’s arrival comes on the heels of an unexpected managerial vacancy in Jeddah. Former head coach Matthias Jaissle opted to step down after contract renegotiations broke down, swiftly securing a move to English Premier League side Newcastle United. While regional media heavily linked Al-Ahli with several high-profile Western European managers, the club’s hierarchy pivoted decisively toward Pušić to establish long-term tactical continuity.
When Pušić took the top job at Ukrainian powerhouses Shakhtar Donetsk, he proved his capability as a primary tactician. Under his guidance, Shakhtar completed a domestic double, winning both the Ukrainian Premier League and the Ukrainian Cup twice, while recording an iconic UEFA Champions League group-stage victory over La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
Most recently, Pušić demonstrated his capacity to adapt to Middle Eastern football dynamics with UAE Pro League outfit Al-Jazira. During his stint in Abu Dhabi, he led the team to the final of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup and secured qualification for the AFC Champions League, restoring the club to regional competitiveness.
The Jeddah Mission: High Expectations in Saudi Pro League
By securing Pušić on a two-year deal through 2028, Al-Ahli management has explicitly rejected short-term “firefighter” appointments in favor of a sustainable technical framework. However, the Dutchman inherits an elite squad under immediate pressure to perform across domestic and continental fronts.
Al-Ahli enters the upcoming campaign as the defending champions of the AFC Champions League Elite—Asia’s top-tier club competition. With rival Saudi Pro League clubs continuing their heavy investment in international superstars, Pušić must integrate tactical discipline without compromising the offensive flair expected by Al-Ahli’s demanding fanbase.
Pušić has already assumed duties at the club’s training complex in Jeddah as preseason preparations commence. His primary focus involves finalizing squad rotations, stabilizing the defensive transition game, and ensuring seamless integration between marquee international signings and local Saudi talent before their competitive debut.
