Al Ahli fans question Marino Pusic after latest Saudi Pro League setback

Al Ahli’s difficult start to the Saudi Pro League season deepened on Tuesday as they were beaten 3-2 by Al Qadsiah, prompting renewed criticism from supporters of head coach Marino Pusic and the club’s recruitment strategy.

The defeat was Al Ahli’s third in six league matches this season. They have won the other three games, a record that has increased concern among fans who believe Pusic has struggled to get the best from the squad at his disposal.

The result also highlighted the contrast with the stability enjoyed under the club’s previous manager, Matthias Jaissle. During his time in charge, Al Ahli were crowned champions of the AFC Champions League Elite on two occasions, but the team have looked far less settled since Pusic took over.

Criticism of the Dutch coach has focused particularly on his use of the players and the shape of the side. Former Al Ahli media centre director and Saudi sports broadcaster Mohammed Al-Sheikhi was among those to express his frustration after the loss to Al Qadsiah.

Writing on X, Al-Sheikhi said: “A lost coach… an exposed midfield and a street defence.”

He added: “This is the Al Ahli of the continents. They bring in players who are below the club’s stature and do not match its international commitments, while other clubs receive bigger and stronger signings.”

The comments prompted a strong reaction from Al Ahli supporters who follow Al-Sheikhi on X. While many agreed that Pusic had made mistakes, a significant number argued that responsibility should also rest with the club officials who appointed him and assembled the squad.

One account, Bader jazi, wrote: “The problem is that you reduce everything to the coach and the players, while the real issue is bigger than that. Al Ahli need a clear project and support that reflects their status and international commitments, not signings made drop by drop before blaming the coach and players for the results.”

The same supporter continued: “The coach is poor, but what is the coach’s fault if Trincao is walking around the pitch? Atangana shares responsibility for the second and third goals while he walks as if he is not even in a match. What is the coach’s fault if Rayan Hamed does not know how to cover the player? The coach must take responsibility for his mistakes, but not every individual error should be blamed on him.”

Some supporters also referred to what they viewed as a wider conspiracy surrounding the team’s decline. An account using the name “The Sharp View” wrote: “The director wants it this way, Al-Sheikhi – a repeat of the memories of 2016, Hasi and Al-Muhayani. Power belongs to God Almighty, and all we can say is: God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”

Another supporter, faris, criticised Pusic’s tactical decisions against Al Qadsiah, writing: “When you hand your neck to a coach, this is the result. He comes into a match against a team testing plans by playing Feras as a winger, Trincao as a number 10 and Sebastian as an eight. The result is three, with mercy, and Rayan playing as a full-back.”

Amin Al-Subhi Abu Mishari also questioned the structure of the midfield, saying: “Playing with one holding midfielder against Al Qadsiah is failed work and poor planning. We lost Feras on the right and Trincao in midfield, even though he was effective neither in midfield nor on the wing.”

Al Ahli’s next performances will be closely watched as pressure grows on Pusic, with the club’s supporters demanding both clearer tactics and a squad capable of matching the team’s domestic and international ambitions.