Al Ahli revisit Ole Werner option as Marino Pusic’s future comes under review

Al Ahli are considering former RB Leipzig manager Ole Werner as a possible replacement for Marino Pusic, with the Saudi club examining whether to change coach for the remainder of the season.

Reports have indicated that Al Ahli’s management wants to end Pusic’s time in charge after a run of poor results. However, the financial implications of terminating his spell remain the biggest obstacle to any immediate decision.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Werner’s name has returned to the agenda at Al Ahli, who are assessing the possibility of appointing the German to lead the team during the remaining months of the campaign.

Werner was previously close to taking charge of Al Ahli in August, after his compatriot Matthias Jaissle resigned less than two weeks before the start of the season.

At that time, Werner had accepted Al Ahli’s initial proposal, which was worth 11 million euros per year. He subsequently changed his mind, choosing instead to take a period of rest.

Al Ahli then turned to Pusic, but the Dutchman has so far been unable to win the confidence of the club’s supporters.

Since taking charge of the Jeddah-based side, Pusic has overseen 18 matches. His record stands at 11 wins, two draws and five defeats.

Werner’s availability follows his surprise departure from RB Leipzig at the end of last season. He spent one campaign with the club, guiding them to third place in the German league before they were eliminated from the German Cup in the quarter-finals.

The financial terms surrounding Pusic’s departure are understood to be the main issue preventing Al Ahli from making a change, while Werner is again being examined as a potential option.