Al Ahli consider Villarreal’s Miguel Angel Tena in plans to reshape club

Al Ahli have opened talks with Villarreal football director Miguel Angel Tena as they seek to overhaul their football structure following a difficult start to the 2026-2027 season.

Saudi newspaper Okaz reports that the Saudi Pro League club are considering Tena for the vacant sporting director’s position, which has been unfilled since Portuguese director Rui Pedro Braz was dismissed earlier this season.

Al Ahli have discussed their future vision and long-term project with Tena, although no final agreement has been reached. The Villarreal executive is not the only candidate under consideration, with the club continuing to assess other names before making a decision.

Tena has spent much of his administrative career at Villarreal, having first joined the club’s youth set-up as a player around 23 years ago after moving from Valencia. He stayed for only one season before joining Racing Ferrol in 2004.

After spells with several Spanish clubs, Tena returned to Racing Ferrol 10 years later and spent the final season of his playing career there before retiring.

He began his coaching career with Racing Ferrol, working there from 2015 to 2017, before taking charge of Villarreal’s under-19 side in 2018. Two years later he became head coach of Villarreal’s third team, a role he held for one season before being appointed the club’s football director.

During five years in that position, Tena developed a philosophy that extended beyond recruitment. He has repeatedly said a sporting director’s responsibilities include creating the right working environment, as well as identifying and signing players.

Tena has also stressed the importance of developing people before footballers, helping them prepare for the demands of professional life. He believes clubs must also produce coaches capable of managing teams and working effectively with individuals, rather than focusing solely on player development within their academies.

That approach has contributed to Villarreal producing a number of notable talents in recent years, including Alex Baena and goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen.

Tena’s coaching experience

Tena’s experience is not limited to sporting administration. He worked as a coach for approximately six years before moving into Villarreal’s management structure in 2021.

While serving as football director, he took temporary charge of the first team on two occasions, in September 2023 and again in November of the same year. Villarreal also appointed him as coach of their youth side during last season.

His combined experience could make him a potential sporting director and short-term managerial option for Al Ahli if the club require an interim appointment.

The search comes as supporters call for the dismissal of Dutch head coach Marino Pusic following a run of poor results. Pusic took charge in August, replacing German manager Matthias Jaissle, who left unexpectedly to lead Newcastle United.

Since becoming Al Ahli manager, Pusic has overseen 18 matches, recording 11 wins and two draws, while suffering five defeats.