Marino Pusic begins Al-Ahli role after warm Jeddah welcome

Marino Pusic has arrived in Jeddah to take charge of Al-Ahli after being appointed the Saudi club’s new head coach on a two-year contract.

The Dutchman landed in the city on Thursday, just hours after Al-Ahli confirmed his appointment. His deal runs until 2028 and sees him replace German manager Matthias Jaissle, who has moved to English club Newcastle United.

A video showing Pusic’s arrival at Jeddah Airport was shared on X by Saudi journalist Waleed Saeed. Several Al-Ahli officials were present to greet the new manager, offering him a warm welcome as he began his work with the club.

As part of the reception, Pusic was presented with Saudi coffee, a customary gesture used to welcome new arrivals.

Pusic’s preparations with the squad will begin immediately, with the new Roshn Saudi League season due to start in only a week. Al-Ahli’s first competitive fixture is scheduled for 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the league campaign.

The appointment gives Pusic little time to settle into his new surroundings before the club’s domestic campaign begins. His arrival also marks the start of a new managerial era following Jaissle’s departure for Newcastle United.

Al-Ahli will begin the season with two major targets. The club are seeking to win the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016, while also aiming to retain the AFC Champions League Elite trophy.

The Jeddah side have won that continental competition in each of the past two seasons, and Pusic will now be tasked with maintaining that level of success while challenging for domestic honours.

The club officially announced his appointment early on Thursday, confirming that he would lead the team for the next two seasons. His arrival in Jeddah followed shortly afterwards, with the welcome at the airport providing the first public moment of his new tenure.

Pusic now faces the immediate challenge of preparing Al-Ahli for the meeting with Al-Diriyah and ensuring the squad is ready for the start of the Roshn Saudi League. The scale of expectations will be clear from the outset, with the club pursuing an elusive league championship as well as continued success in Asia.