Walid Al-Farraj expects Al Ahli to make their mark despite summer disruption

Saudi sports broadcaster Walid Al-Farraj believes Al Ahli will be a significant force both on the pitch and in the stands when the new Roshn Saudi League season begins, despite a turbulent period for the club.

Al-Farraj offered his support to the club’s supporters in a post on his personal X account, where he acknowledged the difficulties Al Ahli have faced while predicting a fiercely contested campaign.

“Despite all the obstacles and setbacks, Al Ahli will be an important presence on the pitch and in the stands, as a season full of twists and turns begins. But it will be won by the team with the most fight, spirit and determination,” he wrote.

Al-Farraj also described the departure of manager Matthias Jaissle as a major setback when it happened, although he suggested the change could ultimately prove beneficial.

“The departure of the coach was a disaster at the time, but it was a successful experience that could happen again with unexpected names. Be optimistic,” he added.

Jaissle left Al Ahli around two weeks before the club was due to begin its Roshn Saudi League campaign. The German had spent three full years in charge and led the team to two AFC Champions League Elite titles during that period.

With only one week remaining before the start of the new league season, Al Ahli appointed Dutch coach Marino Pusic as Jaissle’s replacement. His arrival has prompted uncertainty over whether he can continue the work established by his predecessor.

The club have also experienced changes away from the pitch. Former president Khalid Al-Ghamdi left his position in order to stand for election as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

Al Ahli have additionally lost two of their leaders on the field, with Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez both departing.

The team will officially begin the new season on 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Al Ahli, also known by their nickname “Al-Raqi”, are seeking a first Saudi league title since 2016. They will also attempt to retain the AFC Champions League Elite crown, having won the competition in each of the past two seasons.

The club therefore enter the campaign with ambitions of defending their continental success while ending a lengthy wait for domestic league silverware. Those targets will be pursued under a new manager and after a summer in which senior figures and key players have left, making the opening weeks of the season particularly significant.