Al-Ahli weigh Marino Pusic decision before Al-Nassr showdown

Al-Ahli are working on an agreement to end Marino Pusic’s time as head coach before their rearranged Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al-Nassr on 20 November.

The Jeddah side are due to host their traditional rivals at Alinma Stadium in a fixture postponed from the ninth round. However, with the termination process not yet completed, Pusic is currently expected to remain in charge for the derby.

Al-Ahli supporters have launched a social media campaign calling for the Dutchman’s departure under the slogan “Pusic’s departure is our demand”, following a run of disappointing results.

The pressure increased after Al-Ahli suffered a 6-1 defeat by Al-Shabab in the 12th round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Pusic became Al-Ahli manager in August, replacing Matthias Jaissle, who left unexpectedly to take charge of Newcastle United. Since his appointment, Pusic has led the Jeddah club in 18 matches, recording 11 wins, two draws and five defeats.

Al-Ahli are sixth in the Saudi league table with 21 points from seven wins and four defeats. They are nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ahli are also sixth in the West region standings. They have eight points from two wins and two draws and remain unbeaten in the competition.

The club have progressed to the last 16 of the King’s Cup after beating Al-Anwar 2-1 in the round of 32. They will face Al-Ula in the last 16 on Monday, 11 January, at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Medina.

Al-Ahli will also compete in the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait. Their semi-final against Al-Qadsiah is scheduled for 20 December. If they go through, they will meet the winner of Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Kholood in the final on 23 December.

The team began preparations for the Al-Nassr fixture on Wednesday, with five players absent because they are away with their national teams during the current international break.

The absent players include Saudi Arabia internationals Firas Al-Buraikan and Ziyad Al-Jehani, Portugal winger Francisco Trincao, Turkey defender Merih Demiral and France midfielder Valentin Atangana.

Al-Ahli’s immediate uncertainty therefore centres on whether Pusic will still be in the dugout when Al-Nassr visit Jeddah. While the club are seeking a way to bring his contract to an end, no final agreement on his departure has been reached.